A Helluva Holiday Page 6

  Sue Ellen backed up to a chair and sat. “Now that you put it that way. Well, I’m scared to death.”

  Carol immediately knelt in front of her sister. She held Sue Ellen’s trembling hands in hers. “We’re a lot safer now than we were an hour ago. So are the horses.”

  Sue Ellen pulled on her bottom lip with her teeth for a minute. “Of course, you’re right.”

  Nate opened the back door and stuck his head in. “I’ve been expecting to see Clay drive up. He’ll probably want a turn standing watch.”

  “I don’t know.” Carol said, wondering if she’d pushed him away. “I haven’t talked with him.”

  “I’ll let him know we’re here.” Nate closed the door.

  “Carol Ann Penny.” Sue Ellen got up quickly. She caught Carol’s hands and pulled her to her feet, barely preventing her from tumbling backward. “What did you do?”

  “Nothing.” Carol went to the cabinets, opened a door, and then started removing plates.

  “I think I’ll try to get Kevin down for his nap.” Kay walked down the hall to their room.

  “You made her uncomfortable.” Carol tried to turn the focus of this discussion toward her sister.

  “Why haven’t we seen Clay?”

  “I think he’s serious about me. Maybe even in love.”

  “That’s not news. He’s always been in love with you. Why do you think he never married? His coming home set off more hormone rushes than if Elvis had appeared on the square.” Sue Ellen set out tea glasses on the countertop. “But he’s still single.”

  “I have a life, one I worked hard to achieve. I have to be sure that I want to do a complete reversal, give up my career, and run a horse…”

  “Don’t stop now.” Sue Ellen slammed the tea jug down on the countertop. “Say it. Horse ranch. See how easy that was? Horse ranch. Is that so demeaning you can’t utter the words?”

  “Is that what you think? You couldn’t be more wrong. I’ve watched you work until your hands bled and back ached. Yet you never complained, just moved on to the next problem and seemed to love every minute of it.”

  “I did love every minute, especially when Dan was alive. I just keep expecting to hear him dust his boots off on the steps before coming inside. Or see him walking around the corner in the barn. It’s not that I don’t love the ranch, I just can’t do it anymore.”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to sound selfish. Of course you love this place.”

  “You don’t?”

  “I really do. I just never found a man who measured up to my expectations. Clay has always been who I measured them by. Is it wrong to want to be sure?”

  “Of course not. I see how you light up around Clay. You’re happy here. Content.”

  Carol dropped down in a chair. “It’s not a matter of me being happy. I’m not sure I can do it. What if I drive the business into the ground? You’ve always had an inner strength I’ve never had.”

  “That’s not true. It took a lot of courage to leave, making this the perfect chance to find out if this is the life for you. If you’re not happy, we’ll sell. Just not to Vega Industries.”

  “You’re the best sister, ever.” Carol hugged her.

  “I’m not sure you’ll have that much time to decide about Clay. He’ll eventually give up and move on.” Sue Ellen put a bowl of tuna salad on the table. “I’ll get Kay if you’ll tell Nate and Marcus it’s supper time.”

  Chapter 6

  Nate stepped inside the motor home, carrying a plate of food. “If tonight’s supper ‘wasn’t much,’ I can’t wait to try whatever she consider a big meal. I brought you two tuna salad sandwiches, pasta salad, and sweet tea. Sue Ellen sent you her apologies for not having dessert.”

  “The smell rolling off that smoker is going to drive me and Diablo crazy.” Marcus bit into the sandwich and moaned.

  “You and Diablo okay with the first shift?”

  “Sure. We’ll make a few rounds early enough to know our way around after it gets dark.”

  “Finish your supper, and I’ll go with you on the first one.”

  Marcus stopped in mid bite. “You forget how it’s done and need a refresher course?”

  Nate laughed. “Fuck you. I’m going to walk around. Be back in a few.”

  “We’ll be right here.” Marcus tore off a piece of crust and shared it with his dog.

  Nate closed the door, put his gloves on, and stared out into the dark, wishing he had a few more hours of daylight, but this time of year that wasn’t happening. Why was this piece of land so important? Why this one over the other ranches in the area, a few of which were already on the market? Using a feed lot as a cover wasn’t a bad idea, but Vega had to have a plan to get the drugs here to the ranch. Smuggling of any kind through these wide open spaces would be like waving at red flag at the DEA guys.

  “You didn’t get far,” Marcus said walking up next to him. “What are you thinking?”

  “That we’re missing something big.”

  “Yeah. You don’t think Vega will back off when he learns the Penny sisters brought in help, do you?”

  Nate shook his head. “He’s too convinced that he’s untouchable.” They started toward the barn.

  Diablo ran ahead. He stopped, sniffed, and peed on everything new. The dog was a good barometer when it came to safety. Nate had often marveled at the animal’s sixth sense. Diablo would freeze and almost go into pointer mode when he someone new was in the area, yet a simple movement of Marcus’s hand and the dog would relax and accept the situation as okay.

  Marcus flipped the switch, turning on the outside lights. The sky was clear but didn’t have a sliver of moon. The four-wheeler was designed to carry feed or tools and had a small open bed with on seat. He and Marcus took the front and Diablo hopped in the back.

  “Where are we going? The headlights on this thing aren’t a lot of help.”

  “This is a show of presence, just in case somebody is watching. The sooner Vega knows we’re here the better.”

  “True.” Nate leaned back. “Drive on.”

  They drove off the property and down the country road that bordered the front of the ranch. Marcus pulled over at an angle, pointing the headlights toward the pasture.

  “This is where Carol found the horse down. Somebody bought those hot house tomatoes that are still on the stems. He bought a lot of them too.”

  Nate pulled his cell out, called Dalton, and asked that after he dropped Tank off in the morning, he hit the larger grocery stores in the area. Surely somebody remembered a purchase that size. Then he called Clay to let him know that a twenty-four-seven watch had been set up.

  The hair on the back of Nate’s neck stood up as Marcus backed up and turned around. Diablo’s head was resting on the back of the seat in a relaxed position next to Marcus’s shoulder. Nate breathed easier.

  “It’s dark as hell on this stretch of the road. It’s the perfect place to sneak up and toss tomatoes or start a fire.”

  “I’ll make a few extra trips out here tonight.”

  “I’ll relieve you around midnight,” Nate said.

  ****

  Enrique had been just about to start the car and leave when the headlights had come into view. The night was so dark there was no way he could be seen, but it had also kept him from getting a look at the driver. He’d remained hidden until the four-wheeler turned around and then drove out of sight. He headed to town looking forward to a hot meal and a warm bed.

  He’d stopped at the Dairy Dream drive through and placed his order when his cell buzzed. “What’s up?”

  “Side project for you,” Ramon said

  Enrique didn’t like having his work interrupted. “And the sisters?”

  “This man is right there in town. Carlos wants his body found and identified. The rest is up to you.”

  “Text me the man’s name and where to find him.” Enrique told Ramon about the caravan of men who’d arrived earlier.

  “I’ll tell Carlos, but thi
s changes nothing.”

  “I’ll take care of the man tonight. It’s fucking cold out here, and I’m ready to end this.”

  “No witnesses,” Ramon said.

  Enrique ended the call, picked up his supper at the window, took it to his motel, and then ate it in front of the television.

  ****

  Clay drove past the main house straight to the motor home, parked next to it, and then got out. The door opened and he went inside quickly to avoid letting out any more heat than necessary.

  Diablo was sitting in the driver’s seat. His eyes trained on him. Clay spoke to the dog and he dropped down and relaxed. “Did you do that or was it because he recognized me?” he asked Marcus.

  “A little of both. He’s really an incredible dog. It’s as if he senses my emotions. Chris, my wife, says he can read my mind.” Marcus waved to the small table with a padded bench seat. “Nate will be out in a few. He took guard duty early this morning.”

  “I spoke with him last night. I’m happy to take a turn.” Clay took off his coat and stuffed his gloves into the pocket.

  Marcus held up a carafe of something that looked like three day old coffee. “It’s strong but hot.”

  “Sure why not.”

  Marcus set the coffee on the table and joined Clay. “Nate says you saved his life.”

  “He exaggerated. I just shoved him out of the way.”

  “And took the bullet for him.” Marcus saluted with his cup.

  “I got to come home and he didn’t. There are perks to most things.” Clay oversimplified to keep the subject light.

  A knock on the motor home door, ending the discussion as Marcus stood. “Nate wouldn’t knock.” Diablo again stood with his gaze on the unopened door. “It’s Carol.”

  “Good morning,” she said. “I’m looking for Clay.”

  “Come in.” Marcus stepped back.

  Clay was already moving. “I’m coming. Is something wrong?”

  “No. I thought since you were here we could check on the mares. Will you walk to the barn with me?”

  “Sure thing.” He grabbed his coat, slipping it on as they walked. “How are you holding up?”

  “A little jumpy still. I hope they figure out how to put Vega away soon.”

  Clay almost wrapped his arm around her and pulled her into his warmth like he had the other day. Instead, he stuck his hands in his pockets and walked beside her.

  “Any problem with the new filly?”

  “None. She’s eating like crazy.”

  They stepped inside the barn out of the wind and Carol turned to face him. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

  He studied her for a minute. “That true. You were pretty clear on the way back from Dallas. I figured you could use some space.”

  “I don’t need space, and I’m sorry if I came across cold. I’m just confused. And scared.”

  Clay felt his heart rip. “You have nothing to apologize for. Nothing. I pushed you. Expected too much.”

  She walked to him, removed her toboggan and gloves. “I’m sure of a couple of things and I’d like to tell you.”

  “Go ahead.” Clay braced himself.

  “I’m sure that I missed you terribly the two days you stayed away. I’m sure I want you in my life. And most of all, I’m sure that if this doesn’t work out it will hurt us both.” She lifted up on her toes and kissed him.

  Clay buried his hands in her hair and held her head as his tongue ravished her mouth. When he stepped back her lips were wet and swollen. He caught her hand in his and walked to the stall housing one of the pregnant mares.

  “I’m glad you told me.”

  Carol undid the latch and stepped in the stall with him. The mare’s belly was distended and heavy. He started at her chest, working his way to her stomach. “Give me your hand.”

  She did as he asked, feeling the movement of the foal. “It doesn’t matter how many times you experience this, the wonder is always there.”

  “For me too,” he agreed. “It won’t be long now. The foal is shifting into position.” They checked the second mare and then Rosie and her baby before starting back to the house.

  Sue Ellen burst out of the door with no coat or hat and ran to meet them.

  “What’s wrong?” Clay asked.

  “I just overheard Nate on the phone. Apparently, Rick Henley was found dead in his home this morning. June Waller was with him.”

  “What?” Carol asked. “Did you know they were seeing each other?”

  “No, and it was awful. His throat had been cut.” Sue Ellen’s eyes were wide as saucers.

  “And June?” Carol asked. Her hand gripped Clay’s.

  “She must have tried to run because she’d been stabbed in the back multiple times.”

  “Oh God.” Carol’s hand covered her heart.

  “Let’s get you out of the cold.” Clay caught each woman by the hand and started to the house.

  A shot rang out, Sue Ellen screamed, and collapsed.

  “Get down,” Clay shouted. He dove and covered Carol and her sister.

  The motor home door banged open. Marcus, carrying a rifle, and the dog came running hard. Nate burst out the back door and joined Marcus. They hovered over them.

  “Get the women inside,” Nate barked. “We’ll cover you.”

  Clay pulled a sobbing Sue Ellen into his arms, positioned Carol on front of him and ran toward the house. “We’re okay,” he said, knowing Marcus and Nate would be right behind them.

  Kay opened the door and within seconds they were inside. Clay carried a stunned but alive Sue Ellen to the nearest bed and put her down. Her eyes were glazed from fear.

  “Her arm’s bleeding.” Carol ran to the bathroom and came back with a towel, which she applied Sue Ellen’s arm. Tears broke and slid down her cheeks.

  Marcus and Nate came inside and closed the door. Marcus stood to the side of the window so he could look out while not becoming a target.

  “I called the sheriff,” Kay said. “He and an ambulance are on the way.”

  “It burns,” Sue Ellen said as tears fell from her eyes too.

  “We’ll get you to the hospital soon.” Carol used her free hand to push her sister’s hair off her face.

  “A rifle,” Clay said. He was failing miserably at controlling the anger boiling through his veins. “If that slug lodged in something and we can find it, the sheriff will need it.”

  For the second time in less than a week, sirens ripped through the air as the sheriff’s cruiser and an ambulance rushed down the drive.

  “I’ll go.” Clay walked from the room with Nate and Marcus following.

  Marcus put his rifle on the breakfast counter in plain view and all three men went outside. Clay made introductions before he and Nate led the sheriff to where Sue Ellen had been wounded. Marcus went inside with the EMTs for a minute, but he quickly joined the sheriff and the team.

  “We were just about to start looking for the slug.”

  “I’m sure you’re aware that you can’t touch it,” the sheriff said.

  “Yeah,” Nate said. “If we find it, we won’t dig it out.”

  “I’m shorthanded as hell, and my two deputies are at the scene of the first murders this town has had in years. I did take the time to check out you and your team after Dalton and Tank stopped by the other day. If Dalton is willing to be temporarily deputized, he could extract the slug. That would keep the chain of evidence intact.”

  Nate quickly texted a message, waited a few minutes, and then said, “Dalton and Tank are already on their way.”

  “I need to talk with Sue Ellen, but first can one of you tell me what happened?”

  “Carol and I were walking from the barn when Sue Ellen ran out to tell us that Rick Henley and June Waller had been murdered. We’d headed back inside when she was hit.” Clay turned around and pointed to the same pasture Carol had found the sick horse. “The rifle shot came from that direction.”

  “The other night Nate and I drov
e the outside of that pasture. We noticed that property bordering the Penny’s is nothing but trees and brush. This time of the year it’s pretty barren, but you might find enough to hide behind.” Marcus stuffed his hands in his coat pocket. “Let’s take this discussion inside.”

  Clay stopped as the EMTs rolled Sue Ellen out on the gurney. Her face was pale as the sheet they had laid across her. Carol walked next to her, holding her hand.

  “I’m riding with her.”

  An EMT shook his head and opened his mouth to speak.

  “You can make an exception this time,” the sheriff said.

  “I’ll be there shortly,” Clay said to Carol. Even though she wasn’t the one shot, his heart folded at the pain in her eyes.

  Nate’s hand clamped on his shoulder. “Go. We have this. Believe me, she needs you.”

  “Thanks.” Clay went straight to his truck, jumped in, and headed for the hospital.

  Chapter 7

  Marcus and Diablo left Nate with the sheriff, Dalton, and Tank. Diablo trotted off after a leaf. The wind picked it up and moved every time he got near as if they were playing a game. Marcus had decided on walking because the dog needed the exercise. He sure seemed to love the weather. He looked up at the sky.

  “If we get snowed in or worse yet, have an ice storm at Christmas, we’re in for a world of hurt.” Diablo tilted his head as if understanding every word Marcus had spoken. “You, she’ll forgive.”

  He pulled the toboggan Carol had loaned him farther over his ears. The gloves he’d brought from home were good but weren’t enough to hold out this kind of bone chilling cold. Marcus whistled for Diablo and walked inside the barn.

  The dog froze. The scruff around his neck lifted. A low growl rolled from his throat. Marcus pulled the rifle off his shoulder, spun in a circle, scanning the area as he went. He motioned for Diablo to come sit beside him. Seeing nothing, he stood and decided to climb up to the loft. He knelt and patted his back. Diablo climbed aboard, and up the ladder they went. They crawled over bales of hay to the double windows, one of which he cracked. He watched the heavily wooded pasture for a long time but hadn’t satisfied his curiosity. What scent had the dog picked up on?