by Diana Stone
5:00 comes around, and I need to check the horses. It takes 20 minutes to get there. I don’t even say it’s home. I’m not sure what it is.
There are two county-looking cars parked by the house. I’m sure they’re safe. Bad guys don’t drive cars with an E for exempt on the license plate. E is for road-tax exempt.
To be extra cautious, I call Det. Kay. “Yes, I’m in the house. Come up, I have a few questions.”
“There in a few.”
Before he delays me, I load the cart full of alfalfa for dinner, and wheel it out to the pasture horses. Thankfully they’re all acting hungry—that’s a good sign. If anyone was hurt, they wouldn’t be hungry. I look at each one and don’t see any problems. They don’t seem too hungry either. That means giving them tons of hay once a day will work for a while—until Nikki and I figure out what we’re doing with our lives.
Now it’s time to address the detective’s question.
By the time I get to the house, he’s standing on the porch. I don’t like his expression; he looks pissed off.
“Good evening detective.” I’m polite—hopefully that helps.
“The M.O. of your boyfriend matches that of the Good Samaritan who shot the suspects a few weeks ago.”
“Yes, I think so too.” I can’t deny that, so I may as well admit it.
“Do you still insist you don’t know who shot them?”
“I was in my truck, trying to stop them from getting to the house. I didn’t see what happened inside. They almost shot me in the head.”
“Yeah, I know all about that, and I know what Nikki said. I believe your boyfriend did it.”
“I wouldn’t know.”
“Do you know I’ve been advised to close the case? Tell me how that happens? Who do you know with the power to convince my boss there is nothing left to investigate?” He glares at me.
“That’s interesting.” I don’t know what to say. I’m sure my surprise looks real—as it is. I didn’t know he had friends in high places.
“I like to close my own investigations. I don’t want to be told what to do.”
“Is there a chance of it being murder, not self-defense?”
“No, but that isn’t the point.”
“Oh, then I don’t see the problem. Two assholes are out of the way, mere seconds before they could kill. It seems like a win-win situation to me.”
“You would say that,” he mutters.
“So why are you here today?” I’m changing the subject.
“Looking for something the suspect may have left behind.”
“Haven’t you already looked, or do you mean something else?”
“My follow up investigation revealed they have long records for extortion. They work for a powerful man.”
“I wonder if that will be a problem. Do they get vindictive when their people get killed?” I keep adding that they were going to kill us. I need to make sure Quinn doesn’t go for second degree murder, when it wasn’t.
“I don’t know. I suggest you keep out of things that don’t concern you.”
“I didn’t…” I stop talking. There’s nothing I can say to change his mind. “I’m leaving now. We’re staying with friends. See you later.” I give a casual wave and turn away.
I wonder who got involved to clear his other case. Was it for Quinn’s benefit, or is it something else?
The horses are still happily eating. Since the police are here, I feel comfortable enough to hang around and brush my two girls. They don’t care about being brushed, but it gives me a little personal time with them.
When the detective comes out of the house, I wrap up my grooming session, and head for the truck. I’m not staying here in the evening, all alone. Nope.
I head for Monica and Charlie’s. Nikki’s truck is there. I wonder if she came outside today. The other two aren’t here. I open the door to the scent of something good and the beat of country music.
“I’m home.” I shout over the music. “What are you making” I follow my nose.
“Hi.” She looks happy. “I’m making chili with corn bread.”
“It smells great!”
“I’m showing my appreciation for staying here, so I’m making dinner.”
“That’s nice.” I lean back on the counter and sneak a chocolate covered almond from the jar. “The horses were fine. I just got back from feeding.”
“I don’t see how you can go there alone.”
“The detective was there, looking for more evidence. I left when he did. Believe me, I don’t feel comfortable there, either.”
“I called both ride companies. One will put me on salary in a month. They’ll buy three of my horses.” She stops.
I wait for further info. Nothing is forthcoming. “Are you happy with that?”
“I guess. It won’t pay me as well as having my own rides and place. But…”
“Yeah, but there are benefits.”
“Right, like not having to go back to that house, and not having to worry about ride cancelations, the weather, advertising, and all that.”
“Just remember, if you give it up, it will be impossible to get the ranch back. It has barn, pasture, trails and the view is heavenly. Your horses would be scattered to the four winds.”
“I know, but I can’t be there. If more people lived there, or we could move in some mobile homes I’d feel different. I’d want a compound.”
“I can’t see our fancy French woman going for that.”
“Me neither. So what’s the answer?”
“I’m not sure there’s a good one at this point.”
She takes the cornbread out of the oven and slides it onto the stove to cool.
“So what about you?” she asks.
“I don’t know. I’m kind of waiting for your answer.”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t know what to do.” She takes off the oven mitt and gives me her full attention. “Jacqueline-Noelle wanted us there to keep an eye on the place. She likes you.” She gives the chili a stir, then turns around with a bright expression. “Why don’t you take over the rides? I’ll sell you the horses, you can pay me whenever—there’s no rush.”
I stand here, contemplating. It would be an opportunity. But what about that house? Though, I could rent out two rooms to policemen, or a gigantic man—who is always home.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I think so. I just thought of it. I like the idea. I could walk away and not feel guilty about the horses.”
25
Decisions, Decisions
I head to our room to wash up. The door is open. Cami is cowering on the bed with Nicky staring at her. It looks like Monica’s little cat is strong minded. Poor Cami is afraid to move.
“Nicky, leave her alone.” I pick her up and deposit her on the back of the couch.
When I return to our room, Cami looks relieved. “You poor little girl. I’m sorry, you’ll have to deal with it for a while.” I’m not sure how long a while is.
I take a nap for an hour to revive.
Monica and Charlie arrive within a minute of each other. He usually goes to the bakery after he has finished his rounds. It’s now after 8:00; that’s a long day for them both.
I head to the kitchen and see the table is already set. The hot pot of chili is on a trivet. Bowls are at each setting, along with big wedges of cornbread.
“Wow, I feel spoiled!” I look at Nikki with awe.
“Thanks. I’m making sure they like me staying here,” she quietly tells me.
Charlie comes out, freshly showered, with wet hair and a clean scent. He got rid of the smell of dirty horses and medicine.
Monica comes out in shorts and a top. She only had baking scents, but this must be more comfortable.
Nikki stands by the pot ladling bowls full. When she sits down, we dig in.
And the fun begins. It’s like a family dinner, but we all get along. Charlie tells us about suturing a mule who cut her leg, and that blooms into the full story of he
r strange family. Being a vet, he’s in the middle of their lives. He hears about their financial, romantic and emotional problems. By the time he leaves, he was told the wife has a boyfriend, the son is selling meth, the daughter is pregnant, and the father invested in Bitcoin and is watching the cryptocurrency market every waking moment.
“I should have bought Bitcoin when it was .50 cents, but I was in vet school, and didn’t have money.”
“I was on the police department and thought it was lousy a way to lose money.”
“I was baking and never heard of it.”
Nikki doesn’t answer right away. We look at her.
“That reminds me, I bought a few coins when it was $100. I wonder what it’s worth now.”
“You’re the only person I know who made money. Except you have to sell it to make the money. It could drop tomorrow,” Charlie is helpful with his new found knowledge.
“I don’t know how to cash it out,” she’s stumped.
“Find out!” I raise my voice. “You’re sitting on thousands of dollars!”
“I’ll get my phone.” She dashes off to our bedroom, and quickly returns with it.
A search tells her it’s worth around $20,000. “This changes things. With the sale of the condo, and this money, I can do something dramatic with my life.”
“In what way?” We all look interested.
“I don’t know.” She’s perplexed. “This gives me the opportunity. I could sell the horses and be totally free of responsibility.” She looks at us. “What do you think?”
The conversation moves over to Charlie and Monica. They’re thinking of getting a place with room for a big garden and home-orchard, as well as pastures for him to rehabilitate horses. They’ve been working together to expand the bakery. Ever since the scare from Aquamarine, Monica has been giving evening classes, and starting her biscotti of the month club. They want to move forward with these exciting goals and plans.
“Me—I’m in a holding pattern, and I’m not looking to accumulate anything. My advice is to decide what you want, but to also save for the future.”
Nikki is either finding herself free, or lost, depending how she feels at the moment. “This is my chance, but I don’t know what to do.”
“Give it a few days. You can stay here for a while.” Monica says.
“Do you need help at the bakery? Jess really likes working with you.” Nikki inquires.
“I just hired two girls in college. Jess is working Tuesdays and Thursdays. I don’t need anyone at the moment,” she apologizes.
Something is mulling around in my brain. “I wonder if you temporarily took my two days at the bakery. I’d lead rides on those days, and on the weekends. It would keep the ride business afloat.
“And still do code enforcement the rest of the week?” Nikki asks.
“Working seven days a week isn’t sustainable.” Charlie sets me straight.
Nikki brightens up. “Actually, that’s a great idea. I’d love to try the bakery twice a week. You can lead rides on the weekend and keep working for the city. Have Tuesday and Thursdays as your days off.”
“We’ll lose customers if I don’t have more riding days.”
“It’ll all go away if you don’t want the business. I’m not going back to the ranch,” Nikki insists.
“You’re sure about that—you weren’t, before dinner?” I question.
“That was before I found out I have 20K in Bitcoin!” She smiles her first in the past two days.
* * *
I’m lying here, wide awake, wondering what I’m getting into.
I agreed to let Nikki work my two days at the bakery and I’ll lead rides on the weekend. But where am I going to live? Am I going to buy her out?
At least I have tomorrow off.
As I check the time, I get a text from Quinn: “This case is going well. How are you? Do you like being at Monica’s?”
“Nikki won’t be going back to the ranch. She offered to sell me the horses and business. I’m not sure I want it.”
“I can’t help you with an answer. Would you be alright living there?”
“I’m not sure. I’d want more people around. It’s so desolate.”
“I’m late for a meeting. Talk later?”
“Yes. Thanks.”
He has a meeting at 11:30 at night? Don’t go there, Jess. Just because you know a lot of men who collected multiple women—in the form of wives and girlfriends, it doesn’t mean he’s doing the same thing. He’s an honest man in the middle of a DEA operation. That’s it—period.
I wake when Nikki is getting ready for work—for my bakery job. What should I do with my future? It’s too soon to take a giant step like buying her business with nine horses, then rent the ranch from Jacqueline-Noelle. Its way too much for me.
I still can’t sleep. I’m only pretending, so I don’t have to discuss the ranch with Nikki. She finally leaves, and I pull up the calculator. Ranch rent: $2000 a month. Hay for her 9 horses and my two: $2200. Then assorted other things: electricity, water, problems, vet, and horseshoer.
I’m looking at thousands a month in costs for a job I’ve only known about for five months. It’s not like it was my lifelong dream. There’s my answer. No thanks.
I text Quinn: “I decided against buying the trail ride business.”
Then I roll out of my cot and dress for the day.
I’ll check on the horses since I don’t have to work.
So I gave up my two days at the bakery, but I’m still leading rides on the weekend. I’m not sure how to handle this. I’d rather work at the bakery and skip the rides. I will have to let her know I won’t be buying her business.
I head out to the ranch. Driving down the long gravel road, it looks quiet, and clear of unwanted guests.
The horses are fine, no one got hurt in the night. I toss in lots of hay. I’m not sure if I’ll be back tonight.
Ding: A text from Quinn: “What are you doing at the ranch? Yes, I’m following the GPS on your truck.”
“I’m glad you’re watching. I’m feeding the horses while it’s still sunny and warm.”
“Do you actually think it’s safer when it’s warm?”
“Ha-Ha, cute. No, but I think it’s perceived danger. The real danger has passed.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure. I’m doing some checking on our two suspects. Do what you need to do, then get out of there.”
“Hell. Are you trying to give me a heart attack? I’m driving out now!”
“I see your truck moving. Stay alert and keep your .45 handy.”
He sends another: “You need a CCW permit.”
“Yes, that’s a great idea. I never needed one before. I hope I don’t, now.”
My gun usually stays at home. I’m now taking it with me to the ranch when I feed. It means it travels around in the truck with me. I’m supposed to unload it and have the bullets separate from the weapon. But since I don’t have a trunk, it makes that impossible.
Let’s be reasonable. If I need to protect my life, I need the gun now, not in two minutes, when I get the magazine from behind the seat, slide it into the weapon, rack in a round, and fire.
I haven’t even made it to the road when two more texts come in.
Alyssa: “Someone beat up Tony’s wife. They still want the money. She’s desperate for you to find him. Name your price.”
My mother: “Hello dear, I’m on jury duty for a murder trial. It’s more exciting than my favorite mystery book. I’ll update you when it’s over.”
“Mom, have fun.”
“Alyssa. I wouldn’t know where to begin. There are millions of acres to search. Would you like me to put you in touch with some off-duty policemen?”
“I guess so. Melani is scared they’ll come back, like said.”
I send a text to Ken to see if he knows anyone at work who wants an off duty job.
His reply: “To look for the guy the suspects were chasing?”
“I’m just passing alon
g her contact info. The pay is great. Maybe your highly trained brother wants to look, or someone else you know.”
“Thanks for the info. So, you’re seeing that guy, Quinn?”
“Yes.” That’s all he needs to know.
“You found him fast—didn’t give my sheets time to cool.”
Oh wow! He’s getting snippy. It makes me feel cheap. But before I react, I’ll look at it another way… Maybe he’s jealous.
“You have your other girlfriend. It didn’t feel right to me.”
“Do what you have to do,” he replies without clarifying anything.
I don’t miss him. I like some things about him, but Quinn blows my socks off.
I’m parked with the windows down, at the end of the driveway. I glance up as a black sedan slowly drives past. The two men look my way and stare, as I stare at them. The men aren’t like wine tasters, but the car looks like a black limo sedan, like are everywhere.
So why am I getting goosebumps?
Because something doesn’t feel right.
I get my .45, the bullets, and combine the two.
The car doesn’t stop. They may not be after me, but they’re losers. There is something bad about them. I should probably leave. Jacqueline-Noelle needs to get her security guards back. I’ll call her while I’m making my hasty exit.
“Hello, this is Jessica calling from the ranch.” I begin. “I’m sorry to advise you, but neither Nikki nor I will be leasing the house and facilities. I’d like to, but it’s too much for me, alone.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I like you girls.”
“We still have our horses in the pasture. Would you be willing to rent it to us for another month so she can get her horses sold?”
“I’ll give it some thought. I’ll look at my other options.”
“I’m driving away now. But I also wanted to let you know it looks vacant, and maybe you should get security to keep an eye on the place.”
“I’ll do that. Thank you for the update.”
