I made several inquiries and it appears you’re in the clear so far.
AJ recalled Ben’s last written correspondence with him back in 1848. A true friend to the end. AJ’s heart had nearly broken, leaving his home in Texas and what had been left of family at the time. He couldn’t imagine what his parents must have thought of him disappearing without a word goodbye. Without a trace. But having their only child bringing shame to the family would have been worse. Of course, they’d both passed on now, never knowing what their son had done or what had become of him.
No one has seen any wanted posters with the name Alex Jackson on it. Or Alexander McLennon. Or any form of your moniker.
Just before leaving Texas, he’d decided to go by A. J. McLennon, forgoing his first and second name in favor of initials only. And he’d said a welcome goodbye to his other identities as well after that fateful night. He’d hoped to protect his true identity while starting over in Montana. And all this time, it had worked.
It’s early days, though. Perhaps the wheels of justice haven’t caught up with what happened during your last assignment.
AJ cringed, recalling his other life. He hadn’t thought about what happened that night in years. And now it all came back to haunt him, as if it had taken place yesterday. He couldn’t imagine what had happened afterward. Panicking, he’d lit out of town and never looked back. He had no idea if he was still a wanted man or not. But he couldn’t risk talking to anyone about it. And certainly not the fellow he’d seen in the Copper Nugget.
He wandered down the hallway to his study, waiting for Jackson. He needed to protect the Double M and his family, the only way he knew how. And that meant taking action now, even if it proved unnecessary later on.
He couldn’t risk the alternative.
* * *
Jackson finished tending to Dixon and set him loose in the corral. One of the ranch hands would feed him later. Probably Davie while he was finishing chores with all of the horses under his care.
Jackson lumbered up to the main house, curious as to what his father needed to discuss with him. At the same time, apprehension niggled his mind. His father had been acting strangely the past couple of weeks, but Jackson attributed the odd behavior to the to-do caused by Amanda’s shenanigans, corresponding with the mail-order bride on his father’s behalf. Jackson smiled again at her audacity; she had to have known she’d be found out eventually. His father standing at the altar in the Milestone Community Church, having no idea he was the intended groom would have been a good clue. Mind you, Jackson had also attempted some daft things when he was seventeen.
Jackson stopped in his tracks. Could his pa’s unusual behavior and staring off into space for endless minutes be attributed to the fact he’d reconsidered his decision to renege on the proposal? Now that his father had met Lily, did he intend to marry her after all?
Jackson shook his head and continued toward the house. No, that couldn’t be it. His father had been adamant that he’d never remarry. His bewilderment or agitation or whatever was happening had to be related to something else entirely. But what?
He strode into his father’s study and settled into the chair in front of his old desk. “What did you want to discuss, Pa?”
AJ leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “The time has come,” he proclaimed without a moment’s preamble or hesitation.
Jackson’s breath caught. What the devil did that mean? “Sounds a tad ominous.”
“I didn’t mean for it to. Just stating a fact.”
“A fact.”
“Yes.”
“Time for what?” Jackson shifted in his chair. He hadn’t expected cryptic word play and he couldn’t imagine what was coming. Something must have happened. He took a deep breath and waited for the bad news to spill from his father’s lips.
“It’s time for me to hand over the reins,” AJ stated. “I’m stepping back and letting you take over the Double M.”
Jackson sat, stunned. “Me?”
“Yes.”
“Just me?”
“Yes.”
“Alone?”
“Well, I intend for your brothers to work with you, but a business runs more smoothly with only one boss, one man in control with the final say in matters.” AJ pointed to him. “That’s you, son. You’re the oldest and I intended from the day you were born that you’d be in charge of this ranch one day.”
“And, in your opinion, that day has come.”
“You’ve been groomed to operate the Double M Ranch since you could walk. Davies Law Office completed the paperwork. Jamieson Davies told me today that it’s official. You’re the man in charge.” AJ slid forward in his chair and stuck out his hand. “Congratulations, son.”
Mindlessly, Jackson shook hands with his father. This was the last thing he expected to hear when he walked into the room. Something wasn’t right. “Why now? Are you ill? Are you…” He left the unthinkable thought hanging.
“Nothing like that.” AJ leaned back in the chair, tapping one finger on the desk. “I’m handing you the ranch since I may be traveling in the near future, and I wanted you officially in charge in my absence.”
Jackson stared at his father who sounded sincere and in control of his faculties. He hadn’t heard tell of his pa falling off his horse and landing on his head, but nothing short of a concussed brain explained this decision. Jackson ran a dozen scenarios around in his mind, attempting to discover a viable reason for this out-of-the-blue pronouncement. Not that he wasn’t delighted to be given control of his birthright. The timing for taking over this legacy seemed decidedly premature though. Robust and strong-minded, A. J. McLennon still rode tall in the saddle and ruled with a firm hand and a fair mind, same as always. Why would he decide to step down while still in his prime?
Jackson shook his head. “Doesn’t seem the right time, Pa. You’re still more than capable of running this ranch. I don’t understand why you’d figure someone needed to take over on a permanent basis because you’re heading off on a trip for a few weeks.”
His father stood and wandered over to the liquor tray. “I never said I couldn’t run the ranch. I said I wanted you to run it.” AJ poured each of them a drink.
“That’s what has me wondering, Pa. Why now?” Jackson repeated the question he’d asked earlier, still as confused as he’d been moments ago.
“I have my reasons,” AJ hedged. “Seemed the most logical step, considering my current circumstances.”
“What current circumstances? Does this have something to do with Lily showing up here?”
AJ shook his head. “Not at all. I’ve been considering this plan of action for a couple weeks now.”
Jackson concurred with that statement. He recalled noticing his pa’s distracted state two weekends ago, shortly after they’d returned from town. He’d attributed his father’s agitation to the bar brawl Jackson found himself a party to when a drunken drifter drew him into a confrontation. The fool had called Jackson a number of unflattering names which for some reason hadn’t set his father off. Instead of jumping to defend him, Pa stood back completely out of character and simply watched the fists fly. The sheriff and a couple deputies had been foot patrolling on the boardwalk outside the saloon at the time the kerfuffle broke out. The lawmen arrested the troublemaker without further incident while sending Jackson and his pa on their way home. On several occasions since then, Jackson had observed his father staring into space as if working through a troubling matter.
“You’re certain there’s nothing more to this?”
AJ straightened in the chair. “Got business that might take me out of town. I’ll rest easy knowing the ranch is in good hands in my absence.”
“How long will you be away?”
“Can’t say.” AJ sipped his whiskey. “Could be a while, though.”
Jackson searched his pa’s eyes, convinced there was something more to this than a simple case of ensuring the ranch ran smoothly. His pa had traveled before,
going to a horse sale or heading to Chicago on cattle buying trips. Why would this upcoming trip be any different? And why the possibility of an extended absence from the ranch? Was his pa heading to a city for medical treatment? Something he couldn’t receive from the local sawbones in Milestone?
“Are you keeping secrets from us? Was that head cold the beginning of something more? If you’re ailing, then one of us should accompany you to wherever you’re headed,” Jackson suggested.
“Dang it, boy! There’s not a thing wrong with my health,” AJ blurted, annoyance evident in his voice. “Do you want to assume management of the ranch or not? I’ll put Daniel in charge if you’re not of a mind to take over from me.”
Jackson shot forward in his seat. “Daniel!”
“He’d be next in line.”
“Daniel doesn’t want this ranch. Or any ranch.”
AJ sucked in his breath. “What the devil are you talking about?”
Jackson warmed under his collar; he hadn’t intended to let that cat out of the bag. Daniel had confided in him that he wanted a different future for himself than Pa had intended for him.
“Explain your last remark about Daniel.”
Jackson shook his head. “Ask him yourself. I’m staying out of it.”
“Ask me what?” Daniel demanded, stepping into his father’s study.
“Jackson let slip you might not want a share of this ranch,” AJ blurted.
Daniel glared at Jackson. “You’re worse than a gossiping old woman at keeping things to yourself,” he accused.
“Guess so,” Jackson muttered, heading for the door. “I’ll let Pa explain what we’ve been discussing. I’m heading out to help with chores.”
Jackson walked no more than five feet down the hallway when he heard his brother exclaiming, “You’re doing what?”
“You weren’t the only one shocked by that news,” Jackson muttered aloud. What the heck was his pa thinking? Putting him in charge so soon made absolutely no sense at all.
Daniel stormed down the hallway, brushing him out of the way with his shoulder.
“I hope you know I had nothing to do with this,” Jackson called. He wasn’t surprised by Daniel’s reaction. His brothers wouldn’t take kindly to this, especially taking orders from him.
Jackson had never stepped away from a challenge, and he’d waited his entire life to take over the Double M. But something didn’t add up, and he intended to learn the truth.
Chapter 10
Lily’s jaw dropped and her heart leapt in her chest. She’d been reading Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the parlor, but she couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. She set her book aside and met Jackson’s eyes. “That’s wonderful news! You must be so proud of yourself!”
“Proud of myself?” Jackson gaped as her. “As far as I’m concerned, this is simply a case of ‘luck of the birth order draw’.”
“But this proves your father’s faith in your abilities.” Lily forgot herself and leapt off the sofa, throwing her arms around Jackson’s neck and hugging him tightly. “I’m so happy for you. Congratulations!”
“Thank you,” Jackson muttered, placing his hands on Lily’s waist, standing as if frozen in place. “But besides being Pa’s firstborn, a matter in which I hadn’t any say, what have I done?”
Lily relished the comfort of his warm hands on her waist, but considered it prudent to step away from him. She gazed up at the tall man. “Are you all right? You appear a little stunned.”
“More like a lot stunned,” he replied, his arms dangling at his sides. “I can’t figure the reason behind Pa’s decision. Or what this will mean for the Double M.”
“No doubt there will be changes in all your lives because of this. Does your father intend to move into town? Or will he remain on the ranch? Perhaps providing advice when needed?” Lily settled onto the parlor sofa again to await Jackson’s response. And then she added, “Are your brothers going to appreciate taking orders from you?”
Jackson looked as if he might topple over in a dead faint at any moment. Why would the man appear surprised to inherit control of his father’s ranch? Had Jackson decided it wouldn’t happen until his father passed? During Amanda’s eighteenth birthday celebration on the weekend, Lily learned that AJ had turned sixty-two on his last birthday. She suspected ranch work took a toll on a body over the years. Did AJ consider the aches and pains no longer worth it? Especially when he’d sired five strong sons, Jackson being the oldest, to pass ranch ownership and control to?
Jackson slumped onto a nearby chair. “I doubt they’ll be too willing to listen to me spouting orders. But if it’s Pa’s wishes, they haven’t much choice.”
“Choice about what?” Daniel demanded, as he strode into the parlor and tossed his Stetson onto a nearby chair.
“Taking orders from your brother,” Lily said.
“Not likely,” Daniel scoffed, glaring at his brother. “Why did Pa put you in charge?”
Lily gasped. “Why not? Jackson is oldest. He’s the logical choice. I hope you didn’t instigate an argument with your father over this.”
Daniel shook his head. “No, I didn’t. I told Pa his head had a screw loose and stormed out.”
Jackson clambered to his feet. “Daniel, you know I had nothing to do with Pa’s decision. I’m as shocked as you are. Me taking over the Double M right now doesn’t make a lick of sense. I think something’s wrong.”
Daniel shook his head. “As much as I hate to admit it, you were born to run this ranch. Pa groomed you to take over one day. Seems that day has arrived.”
Jackson threw up his hands. “Not this way. Handing over the ranch out of the blue. Did Pa say what prompted this decision?”
Daniel shook his head. “I’ve no idea what he’s thinking.”
Lily shifted forward on the sofa. “He must have told you something.”
“Pa said he needs to go out of town for a while and wanted the ranch left in capable hands,” Daniel reported. “Then he told me Jackson was in charge.”
Jackson placed his hands on his hips. “Told me the same thing. Wouldn’t say where he planned to travel to.”
“Could it be somewhere involving ranch business?” Daniel ventured.
“I doubt it or he’d share it with me. Pa put me in charge, after all.”
“Keep reminding me,” Daniel grumbled.
Lily glanced from one brother to the other. “Could your father be in some kind of trouble?”
“I don’t think Pa’s been in a lick of trouble a day in his life.” Jackson met Daniel’s eyes. “There isn’t a more honest man in Montana Territory.”
“Or anywhere else,” Daniel added.
“I’m worried he’s ailing.” Jackson paced the parlor. “What if he disappears and we aren’t able to find him? What if something happens?”
“A sick or wounded animal will hole up,” Daniel whispered. “Slinking off somewhere in preparation for…”
“Dying,” Lily whispered the word before she could stop herself, when Daniel failed to complete his thought. Her eyes filled with tears. “Do you suppose that’s the real reason your father adamantly refused to consider marriage?”
“I don’t know. I hope not,” Jackson muttered, dragging his hands through his hair.
Lily leapt to her feet and met eyes with both men in turn. She’d never been one to beat around any bushes. “Well, I intend to find out. I’ve just met your father and he’s a lovely man. I refuse to lose him as an acquaintance or as a friend. Not without putting in my two cents.” She turned on her heel and strode out of the parlor, leaving AJ’s slack-jawed sons in her wake.
* * *
Lily rapped on the study door and listened intently for permission to enter. Hearing Jackson and Daniel voice their concerns for their father’s odd behavior, even speculating that he might be deathly ill, had sparked something in her that she hadn’t known existed. She’d never before worried about a stranger’s well-being. Her concern for AJ spo
ke of how quickly the McLennons had become like family.
“Come in,” AJ called.
She eased the door open and peered inside. “AJ, it’s me. May I speak with you for a few moments?”
“Certainly, Lily. Come sit down.” AJ waved her toward the armless chair in front of his desk.
Lily settled on the chair and adjusted her skirts before meeting AJ’s eyes. She recalled sitting in this exact chair the night she and Amanda presented their case to start their business venture. If only this outcome proved equally happy. She dreaded having this conversation, but some things in life couldn’t be avoided. “I… I don’t know how to…”
“Does this have anything to do with me withdrawing the proposal Amanda initiated?” He met her eyes, frowning.
“Heavens no,” she replied, shaking her head. “Nothing to do with any of that. Your daughter had your best interests in mind, although her means weren’t well thought out.”
“That’s the truth of it,” AJ said, chuckling. “I could have throttled the girl when she confessed what she’d done.”
Lily waved off the entire matter, considering it finished and forgotten. She brushed a few stray strands of hair off her face and tucked them behind her ears. She smiled at AJ. “This regards another matter altogether. This is about you.”
“Me?” AJ blurted, leaning forward in his chair.
“Yes. Your sons are concerned about you. And frankly, so am I.” Lily searched his eyes, hoping for some indication she’d confronted him with a touchy matter. A fleeting grimace. A glance away. Anything that would give credence to his sons’ speculations.
AJ’s unchanged expression could mean there was nothing untoward going on with the man. Or he could be an excellent gambler who’d perfected the art of giving nothing away.
“Jackson mentioned he’d noticed your odd behavior lately. He’s very worried about you, AJ. And Daniel is in complete agreement. They’re concerned and even speculated you’re leaving town because you’re seriously ill.”
Canceled-Order Bride (Sons Of A Gun Book 1) Page 8
