A Helluva Holiday Read online

  “I am.”

  “Was Carol Ann there before you left last night?”

  “Yes ma’am. And how did you know she was in town?”

  As was her daily habit, Milly reached up to a rack shaped like a horseshoe and pulled down one of the dozen ball caps hanging there. She handed it to him. “June Waller spent half of last night calling people. Everybody on the south side knows it.”

  “Call me if an emergency comes up.”

  “I will if it’s a large animal.”

  Clay made his afternoon rounds, answering the same questions again and again from his patients’ curious owners. Was Carol Ann Penny really back in town? He responded with the fewest words possible, leaving out the fact her long blonde hair still hung to her shoulders and framed her beautiful blue eyes perfectly.

  The drive out to the Four Penny Ranch came last in his long day. Clay drove down the dirt drive and parked next to an expensive sedan. It wasn’t from around here or June would have known about that too. He stepped onto the front porch, hung up a strip of Christmas lights that had come unhooked, and then knocked.

  Sue Ellen opened the door. “Come in. Carol’s friend the lawyer is here. He drove down from San Antonio to help.”

  That Carol had already called someone in to help pleased Clay. He followed Sue Ellen through the living room, past boxes of holiday decorations and into the kitchen. Sitting at the table, pouring over documents, a man was making notes.

  “Clay.” Her eyes sparkled. “Come meet Evan Place.”

  “Pleased to meet you.” Clay shook the older gentleman’s hand.

  “And you.” Evan removed a pair of wire-rimmed glasses and slipped them into his pocket. “I don’t see any issues with refusing to sell. It’s a business deal that fell through. Sue agreed to a letter of intent via email, but neither of you have signed the actual contract.”

  “It’s that simple?” Sue Ellen asked.

  “Yes. I’ll see this through. Vega Industries might rattle a few bones and make noises about suing, but in reality, the decision to sell rests with you two.”

  Carol smiled, her face lighting up. “I’m so glad I called you; I can’t thank you enough.”

  “Just wait until you see my bill.” He laughed and stood. “I’ll call you after I stop in town and let Mr. Henley know your decision is final, and that I am your attorney as of today. If he contacts you, remind him that he’s fired and to direct any further correspondence concerning you two or the ranch to me.”

  “Clay is going to help us look into Vega Industries. Did you reach your friend?”

  “Yep.” A chill rushed through Clay’s veins. “He’s agreed to do some research for us. I’m going to check on Rosie and the filly.” He shook Evan’s hand. “Nice to have met you.”

  “My pleasure.”

  Clay stepped onto the porch and then called Nate, sharing the information Evan Place had shared. The sale was officially off.

  He crossed the yard and started down the path to the horse barn. Questions swirled inside his head as he walked. Was Carol staying? Or had Sue Ellen given up on her idea of moving to the city? He paused and took a minute to scan the ranch.

  Just a few years back, when Sue Ellen and her husband Dan decided to start a family, they remodeled the house. They had applied a faux brick front, which gave the large homestead a more modern appearance, while the wraparound porch kept a homey feel.

  Over a hundred acres of land had been cultivated over the years into a nutritious pasture for horses. Two barns and a corral made the spread complete. But Dan was killed in a car wreck, leaving Sue Ellen without the children they both wanted. The thought that he should buy the ranch flitted through Clay’s head and was quickly pushed aside. Although, Sue Ellen employed two local men who’d retired and wanted part-time work. Maybe with their help…no. He shoved the idea to the back of his brain. He entered the barn to the sound of a horse nickering, the deep-throated noise they made when communicating.

  “Is that you, Rosie?”

  He was rewarded with a louder sound. He grabbed a handful of hay and walked to her stall. She and her filly were standing as if waiting for someone to come. He let her eat out of his hand, before removing the halter hanging next to her stall and slipping it on her head.

  “You ready to stretch your legs?”

  “Hang on and I’ll open the corral gate.” Carol hurried through the barn.

  “Thanks.” He led the mare out of the stall, leaving the filly behind. Within a few feet, Rosie made a low grumble and the little horse followed them. “You were smart to call a lawyer you trust.”

  “I met him when I did a story on an apartment owner who refused to have the air-conditioning fixed. Evan made sure it happened.”

  When Carol swung the gate open, Clay released the horses, carefully securing the latch and climbed up on the top rail. He extended his hand but she was already climbing. “This is a good way to make sure the filly has her legs under her.”

  He tried to ignore her thigh touching his while they sat and watched the young horse learn how to run and explore her surroundings. Carol touched his arm.

  “Are you glad you came home?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “But you’ve been in foreign countries and big cities; isn’t Eden Rock a little old fashioned for you?”

  “Not at all. This place brings me peace. Besides the town has grown a lot since you and I were kids.” He steeled himself, knowing he had to ask if she was staying. “How have you and Sue Ellen decided to handle things?”

  “I’m staying. At least until the right buyer comes along.”

  “What changed your mind?”

  “I don’t know. I walked down to the barn early this morning and sat on a bale of hay. I stayed there for a long time, thinking about my situation and what I should do.” She paused, closing her eyes for a second. “I was fired from my job, Clay. I rushed through my research on a story and didn’t verify my facts. I was lied to and I knew better than to take somebody’s word.”

  “That’s why you want Vega Industries verified even though you aren’t selling to them?”

  “Yes. It was inexcusable that I didn’t check them out in the beginning. Why I would do something so careless?”

  “You’re being a little hard on yourself.”

  “It got me to thinking. Why is all this happening? Is it to help me realize that I belong here?”

  “That’s a lot of thinking in just a few hours. Careful you don’t let your emotions over being home take over.”

  “I’ve cancelled today’s interview.”

  “So you’re home for good?” This could be too much too soon.

  “I don’t know, but Sue Ellen deserves to move on with her life.”

  “And how about you? Don’t you deserve to start over again, too?”

  “That’s a loaded question. One I’m not prepared to answer.”

  Chapter 3

  Nate Wolfe spent the afternoon on his computer researching Vega Industries. He’d known the answers before he started, but it paid to verify. He’d been seconds away from putting together a plan of action when his wife came into his office. He was currently working at keeping an interested look on his face.

  “I’m sure Kevin will appreciate Santa leaving him a pair of denim jumpers.” He smiled as his son did his best to wiggle out of his mother’s lap. “He’s dying to get his hands on one of the hundred Christmas decorations you put out.”

  “He has to learn what he can and can’t do.”

  “He sure doesn’t like being told no. I’m thinking he got that temper from you.”

  “That’s one black mark for you on Santa’s list.” She laughed at her own joke. “So maybe I over did the decorations a little.” Kay sat on the couch across from his desk. “You haven’t heard a word I said since your Navy buddy called with the name of that company. You’re interested. I recognize that look in your eyes.”

  She knew him inside and out. And he loved her for it. “It has b
een a while since I personally took a case. This one has my attention.”

  “What makes this one different?”

  “I thought it would be a simple and easy case. Just what we need before the holidays.” He chuckled.

  “And now you’re not so sure?”

  “I think Clay was right. Vega Industries is owned by a series of dummy companies from Mexico to Colombia and Bolivia.”

  “Can Ty help?”

  “It would be nice since he and Ana aren’t coming stateside for Christmas, but we’re not tracking the flow of drugs or money from Bolivia. Not yet. Carlos Vega wanted this particular piece of property and we need to figure out why.”

  “He’s that famous drug lord who never crosses the border. Well, he never gets caught in the U.S.”

  “Right. Eden Rock is only a couple of hours from Coahuila, Mexico. Maybe he’s creating a new shipping lane from Coahuila to San Antonio.”

  Kay has scooted to the edge of her chair. “Or Houston. It’s a clear shot.”

  “True. My gut tells me that Carlos Vega won’t be happy to learn the deal for the ranch fell through. I have to alert Clay and the owners of the Four Penny Ranch to expect pushback. Dalton and Tank can nose around with some of the local informants. Marcus can talk to the Feds and Dallas Narcotics and see if they have anything they’re willing to share. Secrets are rarely kept in the drug trade. Somebody knows something.”

  “And you?”

  “If things get tense, we might have to take Kevin on his first road trip.”

  “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

  “I have to do this for Clay, and I don’t want us to be separated this time of year. Besides, we have enough help to manage the business without us for a few days. What do you think?”

  “I think I need to mull that ‘few days’ over. In the meantime, I’ll let those three guys know you want them in your office.”

  “Just Tank and Dalton, and tell them I’ll be in with Marcus.”

  Nate read through the background report he’d ran on Carlos Vega. Educated in the USA, he’d gone home, killed his uncle, and taken over a small cartel. That was twelve years ago. Since then, the drug lord had grown into a formidable figure in the illegal narcotics industry. He had long arms and kept what was his—his.

  Nate stood and walked to the first office down the hall. A gold sign on the door read Marcus Ricci. Nate pushed and polished it with the cuff of his sleeve. “Got a minute?”

  “A minute? Take all the time you want. I’m fucking bored out of my mind.” Marcus quickly looked past Nate. “Kay’s not right behind you, is she?”

  “No.” Nate laughed as he sat across from his old friend. They’d been through a lot together since starting the Lost and Found, Inc. agency. He’d watched Marcus grow from a tortured soul to a happily married man.

  “What’s up?” Dalton Murphy said, as he and Tank Jorgenson walked in and sat.

  “I’m taking a quick case to help out Clay Hudson, an old navy buddy.”

  “Thank God,” Dalton said. “What do you need from me?”

  Nate outlined what he’d learned. “Dalton, you and Tank go talk to the Dallas police department.” He filled the three men in on the situation. All of them knew the history behind Carlos Vega and his empire.

  “Vega isn’t a good enemy to have. If he wants this ranch and this guy backs out on the sale, it could get ugly.” Tank, the newest field member, grabbed his neck and mimicked a man being choked.

  “He doesn’t own the property, but he’s friends with the two sisters who were duped into thinking their horse ranch would remain in business.”

  “You’re right to help them out,” Dalton said. “But this close to Christmas, you married guys have wives to keep happy. Tank and I are single. We can run point on this one.”

  “Thanks anyway. I’m taking this one. Clay saved my life while we were on assignment. If he’s worried about these two women, so am I. In fact, I’ve already offered to go to Eden Rock.”

  Marcus beamed across the desk. “It would be fun to have you back in the field, but have you cleared it with the boss?”

  Tank elbowed Dalton and both rolled their eyes at Marcus’s reference to Kay as the boss.

  “Be wiseasses now. One of these days you’ll both be in the same boat with me and Marcus. But to answer the question, she’s thinking about coming along. I’ll take the motor home so she and Kevin will be comfortable.” Nate turned to Marcus. “You’ve made some contacts. Talk to as many as you can. Somebody knows why Vega wants this property.”

  Dalton leaned forward, placing his forearms on his knees. “I’ll check with the FBI too. Vega is on the most wanted list so they are keeping tabs on him. Maybe they have some intel they will share, but if he decides to retaliate against the sisters, we could be celebrating the holiday in Eden Rock, Texas.”

  ****

  Clay’s mind kept wandering to Carol. This morning he’d been in the middle of a juicy dream when the alarm clock jarred him into reality. He finished wrapping the dog’s paw with gauze. He and Milly had treated the stray for mange, given it an IV of fluids, and an antibiotic shot. The small animal rescue group in town had found the poor creature living in an abandoned barn and brought him to the clinic for help. He carried him to a cage that would limit his movement, placed him on the old blanket inside, and stroked his head.

  “Your safe now, old fella.”

  “I’m going to name him Dancer.” Milly announced.

  “He’s an old man. There’s not much dancing left in him.”

  “Where’s your Christmas spirit? Any strays that are brought in here between now and the New Year will be named after one of Santa’s reindeer. If nobody claims the poor thing, I’ll give him somewhere to live out his life where he’ll be safe and have a full belly.”

  Clay washed and dried his hands, walked to Milly, and then tipped her chin up with his finger. She was barely five-feet-four inches tall, yet she looked up at him as if daring him to challenge her decision. “How many dogs will that make you?”

  “Don’t know and don’t care. Then you take him.”

  “Upstairs?” He shook his head. “He’d have trouble going up and down the stairs.”

  “True. Maybe it’s time you had a real home.”

  His cell vibrated before he could think of a snappy comeback, so he pulled it from his pocket and answered. “Nate. Good to hear from you.”

  “I’m not a bearer of good news.”

  “Go ahead,” Clay said while walking into his office. He closed the door and then sat.

  “Dalton Murphy still has ties with the Feds. Rumor is that Vega is planning to increase his shipments into the U.S. Could be he planned to use the place as a halfway mark or storage facility. Smuggle a large amount of narcotics to the ranch and then disperse it to parts unknown from there. The route is an easy drive.”

  “So you think Vega will just pick one of the other ranches in the area?”

  “He’s not known for taking no for an answer. If he comes back with a new offer, a second refusal will piss him off.”

  “I figured as much.”

  “I have a couple of men talking to a couple of the Dallas narcotic boys, too. They’ll keep listening for information. Stay in touch.”

  “Will do.” Clay removed his coat and hung it on the rack. “I’m square for the day?”

  “Sure are. You go on. I’ll catch anything that comes in.”

  “Thanks, Milly.” He put on the ball cap she chose, jumped in his pickup, and then drove out to the ranch.

  He pulled down the long driveway just as Carol walked out of the barn. The sun glinted off her hair. The cold wind lifted the long strands and she quickly covered her head with a cap. Wearing a sweatshirt, jeans, and boots, she waved and walked to meet him.

  “You’re just in time.”

  “For?” He got out and followed her to the barn.

  “I went to the grocery story this morning and happened to see a truck unloading Christmas
trees for the Lions Club. I bought a fresh cut Virginia Pine.”

  “And you need help getting it inside?”

  “Sure. But first, I need it in that stand.” She pointed to a big box. “Unless it’s too cold out here for you,” she added with a teasing smirk. “We can always carry the tree inside and then get it secured.”

  “I’m fine in the cold. Where are your gloves?” He took his knife out, opened it, and then passed it to her.

  “I had already borrowed enough of Sue Ellen’s clothes. I hated to ask for more.”

  Carol opened the carton containing the stand while he pulled the tree off the pickup bed. He stood it up. “Smells fresh.”

  “The inside of the house is going to smell great. They worked in silence until the tree was secure and ready to go. He reached through the limbs, grasped the trunk, and then carried it to the front porch.

  Sue Ellen held open the door and directed Clay to a corner with a piece of plastic spread out on the floor. Elvis singing stopped her in mid step. “That’s my cell. I’ll be right back,”

  Carol slid the piece of plastic out away from the wall. “We’ll need room to string lights and decorate.”

  “We?”

  “You have a problem with the word ‘we’?” She opened a weathered cardboard box marked Lights in black marker on the side.

  Sue Ellen came into the room and walked to Clay. She tapped a finger to her lips. “Yes, I’m here. I’m putting you on speaker so my sister can hear.”

  Clay put his cell on record and held it next to Sue Ellen’s.

  “Go ahead, Mr. Henley. We’re listening,” she said.

  “That’s fine. You both need to hear what I have to say.”

  “Mr. Henley, this is Carol Penny. My sister has already informed you that we are no longer in need of your services. If your call concerns this ranch, you should contact Evan Place, our new attorney.”

  “Ms. Penny, Vega Industries contacted me personally with a request that you consider a new bid.” Henley continued as if Carol hadn’t said a word. “Mr. Vega has invested large sums of money into equipment for his new endeavor. He’s willing to up the price.”

  “The ranch is no longer on the market,” Carol said.