Roping Ray McCullen

by Rita Herron

  Scarlet bit her tongue to keep from begging him to stay as he left her alone with her coworker.

  * * *

  RAY MADE IT to The Silver Bullet before Deputy Whitefeather. In fact, Whitefeather phoned and said the sheriff in Laramie had Pullman in custody. Apparently he’d caught Pullman attempting to steal a car. The man had been so loaded he’d admitted that he was going to hijack the vehicle, then steal his daughter and leave town.

  Scarlet would be relieved to know he was in jail. This time he faced felony charges and wouldn’t be released in a day or two, either.

  The parking lot of the Silver Bullet was nearly full, country music blaring from the speakers as he stepped from his vehicle. He scouted out the exterior but didn’t see Lowman, so he checked the alley to make sure he wasn’t hiding out.

  Hopefully Bobby had no idea the bartender had phoned Whitefeather. But Whitefeather had been smart enough to figure that if Bobby liked booze, he might show up at the closest bar in town tonight to drown his sorrows, so he’d alerted his friend.

  Ray’s senses were honed as he entered the bar, scanning the crowd for Bobby. Johnny Cash’s voice boomed over the speaker, a line dance was in motion on the dance floor and the pool tables and dartboard corner were packed.

  Ray eased his way through the crowd, avoiding eye contact with a redhead who gave him a flirtatious smile. He inched up to the bar and motioned to the bartender.

  “You called the deputy about Bobby Lowman?”

  The young man nodded and gestured to the back corner where a young man in a black leather jacket stood near the rear exit. Lowman slipped some cash from his wallet, and shoved it into the man’s hands.

  Then Lowman reached out his hand and the man laid a .38 special in his palm. Ray tensed, dropping back behind a group of cowboys so Bobby wouldn’t see him.

  Ray kept his cool and waited, then watched Lowman slip out the back exit. Determined not to let Bobby escape, especially now that he was armed, Ray wove through the crowd and eased out the back.

  Gravel crunched as his boots hit the parking lot, the wind carrying the scent of garbage, stale booze and cigarette smoke. Three cowboys were huddled around a truck bed smoking, a woman and man were necking under the awning of the neighboring building and a truck engine fired up.

  Expecting it to be Bobby, Ray left his cover and dashed to the right to see the license, but a bullet zinged by his head.

  Ray ducked behind the corner and pivoted to see the shooter’s location just as another bullet pierced his hat.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Scarlet folded her arms, anxious to get rid of Hugh. “I thought you were working this afternoon, Hugh. I need you to make sure everything at the office is going smoothly.”

  “Don’t worry, everything is in good shape at work. But you seemed so upset earlier, I had to see you.” Hugh reached out and rubbed her arm.

  Uncomfortable with the way he was looking at her, she stepped into the kitchen. “How about some coffee or tea?”

  “Coffee would be great.”

  She nodded, pulled a filter from the cabinet, measured the coffee and poured the water in. Seconds later, the deep, rich scent of hickory filled the air, soothing her nerves. Ray was going to find Bobby and things would be all right.

  “I had a meeting with a couple who are interested in adopting Rachelle.”

  Hope budded in Scarlet’s chest. Rachelle reminded her of herself at that age. Small, slightly sickly, shy. Lonely. She was ten and had asthma but she was a sweet little girl who needed a loving home. “That’s great. What did you think of the couple?”

  “They’re nice, stable and say they want an older child. The father is a pharmacist, the wife is a tutor at a child learning center.”

  “That sounds promising.” Scarlet poured them both coffee and handed Hugh a mug.

  “What’s going on with you and that McCullen man?” Hugh asked.

  Scarlet blew on her coffee. “It’s complicated, Hugh.”

  “He’s Joe’s son. We both know Joe cheated on his wife. You think his son will be any better?”

  Scarlet inhaled sharply. She hadn’t realized Hugh harbored animosity toward Joe. “Where is this coming from, Hugh? Joe helped you at the orphanage just like he did me.”

  “He took you away from me,” Hugh said in a low voice.

  Scarlet stared at him in shock. “That’s not true, Hugh. He gave me a home, that’s all.”

  “But you left The Family Farm and I was alone.”

  She wanted to argue that there had been ten other kids in the home at the time. But she knew exactly what he meant. Even in a crowded room, you could feel very much alone.

  “I’m sorry, Hugh, I never realized you felt that way.”

  Pain flashed in his eyes. “I thought we were a team,” he said. “That we were inseparable.”

  “Hugh, we were kids. The past ten years we’ve both grown up. We have a good partnership at the social services agency.”

  Hugh moved toward her and set his coffee on the counter. “But we can be so much more, Scarlet.”

  Scarlet placed her coffee beside his. She had to be gentle. “Hugh, I like you as a friend and coworker, but that’s all there can be between us.”

  A frown pulled at Hugh’s thin face. “Because you’re in love with Ray McCullen?”

  Yes. But Scarlet had no idea where things stood with Ray, or where they were going.

  “This is not about Ray,” Scarlet said.

  “You need me,” Hugh said. “You and I are alike.”

  “Hugh—”

  “Please, Scarlet. I can keep you safe from whoever sent that picture and from the person who smashed your doll.”

  Scarlet went very still. “How did you know about the doll?”

  Hugh’s eyes widened. “You told me.”

  “No, I didn’t,” Scarlet said. “I just found it when I got home earlier.”

  Hugh’s eye twitched. “Well...you did mention it. You must have forgotten.”

  “No, Hugh, I didn’t.” The hair on the back of her neck prickled. Hugh had given her that envelope with the burned picture inside.

  And the doll—he knew Joe had given it to her. Was Hugh trying to frighten her into his arms?

  * * *

  RAY DODGED ANOTHER bullet, crouching low and straining to catch a glimpse of Bobby. “Give it up, man,” Ray shouted.

  Footsteps pounded and he glanced around the corner and saw Bobby heading toward a pickup. More footsteps sounded, and Maddox barreled into the alley, pausing, his weapon drawn.

  Ray pointed to the rear parking lot. “He has a truck in the back.”

  “Stay behind me.” Maddox held his gun at the ready and led the way down the alley. Another bullet pinged off the brick wall as they crept to the end. Bobby made a run for his truck, putting him out in the open.

  Maddox stepped from the corner of the building and aimed his gun. “Stop, Lowman, or I’ll shoot.”

  Bobby dove for the truck though, forcing Maddox to act. He fired a shot, the bullet pinging the ground at Bobby’s feet. That made the man freeze and throw up his hands in surrender.

  “Don’t move,” Maddox ordered as he inched forward. Ray provided backup, his own gun aimed at Bobby.

  “You’re really going to take your own brother to jail?” Bobby’s angry words were slurred as he turned to face them.

  “You shot at us,” Ray said.

  Maddox kept his gun aimed at Bobby’s chest to make sure the man didn’t try to shoot again or run.

  Rage oozed from Bobby’s pores, mingling with the stench of alcohol.

  Eyes focused on Bobby, Maddox lifted Bobby’s .38 from his hand and tucked it in the waistband of his jeans.

  “I wasn’t trying to kill nobody
,” Bobby muttered. “I just wanted you to leave me alone.”

  “Just like you didn’t try to hurt Scarlet,” Ray said, not bothering to hide his disdain.

  Maddox unhooked the handcuffs from his belt, jerked Bobby’s hands behind him, spun him around and snapped the handcuffs around his wrists. “A few nights in jail might be good for you.”

  “I don’t belong in jail,” Bobby wailed. “I should have been a McCullen.”

  “You jerk,” Maddox growled. “Our father gave you a chance when he willed that land to you. But you aren’t going to get it this way.”

  Bobby jerked against the cuffs. “That bitch Scarlet doesn’t have to do anything, he just gave it to her and she’s not even family.”

  Ray barely contained his animosity toward Bobby as he jammed his gun in his jacket. “Scarlet has nothing to do with this. This is about you. If you want to be part of the McCullens, then start acting like one.”

  “But—”

  “He’s right,” Maddox said as he gave Bobby a shove. “McCullen men don’t go around beating up and harassing women. And they sure as hell don’t go on drunk tears and shoot at the law. Hell, Bobby, you could have killed Ray or some innocent bystander.”

  Bobby protested, but Maddox pushed him through the alley between the buildings. When they reached the front parking lot, a few patrons were leaving The Silver Bullet and paused to watch, looking guarded as Maddox opened the back door to his police SUV and pushed Bobby inside.

  Ray’s phone buzzed and he checked it, worried about Scarlet. But Brett’s number appeared. He punched Connect.

  “Yeah?”

  “Ray, there’s another fire!”

  Ray clenched the phone in a white-knuckled grip. “Where?”

  “The house. I called the fire department.”

  “Maddox is here with me. We’ll be right there.”

  Maddox froze, brows furrowed. “What the hell’s wrong?”

  “The house is on fire.” Ray snatched his keys from his pocket and jogged toward his Range Rover.

  Maddox’s eyes glittered with panic. “God, Rose is home.” He wrenched open his car door. “Follow me.” Maddox jumped in the vehicle, flipped on the siren and sped from the parking lot.

  Ray followed, praying no one was hurt.

  * * *

  SCARLET DIDN’T LIKE the dark road her thoughts had taken. She and Hugh had known each other for years. They’d been friends. Coworkers.

  He also suffered from depression and took medication for bipolar disorder to control his erratic mood swings.

  How could she have missed the signs that he was more troubled lately? That he might have developed an unhealthy attachment to her?

  She massaged her temple, feigning a headache. “Hugh, I appreciate you coming, but I’m really tired and need a nap.”

  “Let me hold you while you rest.” Hugh reached for her hand. Her skin crawled, but she forced herself not to react.

  “That’s sweet, Hugh, but I need to be alone.” She took his hand and led him toward the door. “Keep me updated on that couple who want to adopt Rachelle.”

  He stood at the door, his hand gripping hers a little too tightly. “Please let me stay, Scarlet. We’ve been good friends forever. We can be more.”

  “I’m sorry, Hugh,” Scarlet said. “There’s too much going on in my life for me to have a relationship with anyone.”

  His mouth settled into a thin line. “What about Ray McCullen?”

  She swallowed hard. “Ray and I met to discuss his father’s will. Joe left money for The Family Farm, and I wanted to make sure the McCullens didn’t contest it.”

  “Really? Is that all there is to it?” he asked, his voice laced with suspicion. “Because it looked like more.”

  She wanted more. But what did Ray want?

  “Yes,” she said, careful not to antagonize Hugh. “Now, please, let me lie down. I’ll call you later.”

  He reluctantly stepped outside, and she peered through the window to make sure that he drove away.

  Then she reached for the phone to call Ray. Hugh’s fingerprints would definitely be on the envelope he’d given her with that burned photo inside. But what about the doll?

  If his fingerprints were on it, she’d know that he was the one who’d smashed it.

  * * *

  RAY’S PHONE BUZZED just as he veered onto the drive leading to the ranch house. Fear seized him at the sight of the smoke curling upward in the distance.

  Maddox bounced over the dirt road, gravel flying, his siren roaring.

  The phone buzzed again and he snatched it up. When he saw Scarlet’s name, panic bubbled inside, and he connected the call. “Scarlet?”

  “Yes, did you get Bobby?”

  “Yeah, he’s in handcuffs in Maddox’s car, but there’s a fire at the ranch. We’re on our way there now.”

  “Oh, my God,” Scarlet gasped.

  Ray spun down the drive, the smoke thickening as he drew closer. Flames shot into the sky, lighting it with orange and red. He had to go. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes. How did the fire start?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll call you back when I find out more.” Satisfied she was safe with Pullman and Bobby in custody, he hung up, then swung to a stop behind Maddox in the drive.

  “Rose!” Maddox threw the car door open and jumped out, sprinting toward the house. Ray followed suit, grief pummeling him at the sight of their homestead in flames. The left side where the master bedroom was located was engulfed, and the flames were spreading to the living area.

  The firefighters were already working to roll out the hoses and douse the flames.

  “Rose!” Maddox shouted over the roar.

  Ray scanned the front yard and spotted Brett talking to one of the firefighters.

  “Rose!” Maddox yelled again.

  Rose emerged from the side of an ambulance, a blanket wrapped around her, and ran toward Maddox. He hauled her into his arms, his shoulders shaking with emotions as they hugged.

  Relief flooded Ray when he saw Mama Mary standing by the ambulance, and he jogged over to her.

  She threw her arms around him, her big body trembling. “Lordy, Mr. Ray, I can’t believe this. We can’t lose your daddy’s house!”

  “Don’t worry about the house, Mama Mary.” Ray tightened his grip on her. He couldn’t have stood to lose her. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

  Tears streamed down her face, and she hugged him and kissed his cheek. Finally she pulled back, drying her eyes and swiping her hair into its bun.

  Ray cleared his throat, his own eyes stinging. “What happened? How did the fire start?”

  “I don’t know,” Mama Mary said. “Miss Rose was at work. She said she and Mr. Maddox were going out for dinner tonight, so I went to my church supper. When I got here, Miss Rose was pulling up. Smoke was pouring from the house so we ran inside to see if it was the stove, but the smoke was so thick we couldn’t see anything, and flames were in the bedroom.” She heaved for a breath. “Rose called 911, then she grabbed the fire extinguisher, and I tried beating it out with a blanket, but it was spreading too fast.”

  Ray took a deep breath and squeezed her arm. “I’m just glad you weren’t hurt.”

  Maddox and Rose joined them, Maddox’s face etched with love for his new wife.

  “I’m so sorry, Ray,” Rose said. “Mama Mary and I tried to put it out.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Ray said. “We’re just grateful the two of you are safe.”

  “You don’t know what started the fire?” Ray asked.

  Rose shook her head. “No, but I...thought I smelled gas.”

  “Like the stove was left on?” Maddox asked.

  “I didn’t leave the stove on,” Mama Mary�
��s voice quivered. “At least I don’t think I did.”

  “No, not the stove,” Rose said. “Like gasoline.”

  Ray and Maddox exchanged looks. “The same person who set the barn fire probably started this one.”

  Maddox hauled Rose close for a kiss. “Let me look around. See if we find anything suspicious.”

  He glanced at Bobby. Bobby was staring at the fire as if he was mesmerized.

  But Bobby had been at the bar when the fire started. If he hadn’t set it, who had?

  * * *

  SCARLET PUNCHED THE accelerator, anxious to reach Horseshoe Creek. Had Bobby set fire to the ranch house to hurt Ray and his brothers?

  The wind picked up outside, shaking tree limbs and tossing tumbleweed across the road as she veered down the drive. She thought she spotted a vehicle behind some bushes, but sped on, worried for the McCullens.

  Smoke billowed in the darkening sky, flames lighting the darkness as she approached. Ray’s Range Rover and Maddox’s police car were parked in the drive, the fire engine close to the house.

  Bobby was inside the back of the police SUV, staring at the blaze, a sinister smile on his face.

  Scarlet shivered, threw the car into Park and reached for the door.

  Another car barreled down the drive and screeched to a stop behind her. She glanced in her rearview mirror and saw Barbara slide from her BMW and walk toward Maddox’s vehicle.

  Scarlet stepped from her car and faced Barbara. “What are you doing here?”

  “I came to talk to the McCullens about how they’re treating my son.”

  “Barbara, for God’s sake, now isn’t the time. Their house is on fire.” She grabbed Barbara’s arm, but the woman shoved her away.

  “Stay out of this, Scarlet.” Barbara stopped beside her son, then jerked the door open.

  Maddox and Ray strode toward her.

  “What the hell are you doing?” Maddox shouted.

  “Scarlet?” Ray said.

  Before she could respond, Barbara pulled a gun from her purse and aimed it at her.

  Barbara turned a sinister look at Ray and Maddox. “Let my son go or she’s dead.”