When All My Dreams Come True, page 20
Jace examined her face. She appeared to be telling the truth. “What did he say?”
Cassie glanced at Bobbie, then looked at the floor. “He said he saw our little, uh, altercation by the pies. He said if I helped him, he’d get Bobbie out of the way for me...” She looked up at Jace. “So I could have you all to myself. He said he’d pay me to help.”
“What did you think ‘out of the way’ meant, Cassie?”
“I didn’t know. I just thought he’d distract her so I could be with you.”
Jace blew out his breath in disgust. He started pacing. “What else?”
“Nothing really. He suggested I tell Bobbie that Sonny was looking for her, that she cared enough about him to come running.”
Jace turned to Bobbie.
Her face held little expression, but her mouth dropped open. “But Sonny was there at the livery. I saw him.”
Morgan frowned, sat in thought for several seconds, then leaned over his desk. “How do you know it wasn’t Sonny doing the talking?”
The corner of Cassie’s lip rose in a sneer. “I think I’m smart enough to recognize Sonny’s voice. We’ve met, you know.” Cassie shrugged. “I couldn’t identify this man’s voice, but he thought the only way to get Bobbie to leave Jace’s side was to use Sonny.”
Jace stopped and met Morgan’s gaze. “Are you sure you didn’t recognize his voice, Cassie?”
“Yes.”
Jace leaned down into her face. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. And I’d appreciate it if you’d stop treating me like I’m some kind of criminal, Jace.” She batted her lashes. “It’s not a crime to want your attention, is it?”
Jace snorted. He moved to Bobbie’s side and squatted down. “Do you want to say anything?”
Bobbie shook her head.
“Do you have any questions you want to ask?”
“No. I’d like to go home now, though.”
“We’re almost finished.”
Morgan strode to the door, opened it, and called to his deputy. “Marcus, I want you to escort Miss Chatham home.” He turned back to Cassie. “Stay close to home, Cassie. I may not be finished with you yet.”
He shut the door as she tried to protest on her way out and headed back to his desk. He waved Bobbie into the chair Cassie vacated. “All right, Bobbie. Tell me your side of this.”
“There’s nothing to tell, Morgan.” Bobbie’s voice sounded weary as she sank onto the chair. “I told you all I know.”
“Tell me again. Why did you think that was the man with Coop?”
Bobbie shrugged. “Seemed logical. I figure he’s the only other person who meant me any harm.”
“Makes sense. Then what?”
“Then he disappeared and Jace grabbed me.”
Morgan sat back in his chair with a thud as he rubbed his chin. “What about the fact that you saw Sonny there?”
“I doubt he’s the one after me.”
Jace squatted next to her. “Why do you doubt that? You saw him there. It could have been him.” He wouldn’t be the first of his hired hands who’d not been the innocent person they’d claimed to be.
Bobbie ran her hand over her face, then let it fall back into her lap. “I’ve gotten to know Sonny pretty well. He’s not the type of person who’d hurt me.”
Morgan crossed his arms. “All right, Bobbie, I guess that’s all for now. You’d be wise to stay around the ranch, maybe even inside the house until we catch this man.”
Bobbie stood and shook her head. “No, Morgan. I’m not going to let this man determine what I do or where I go.”
Jace stepped toward her. “Bobbie—”
“Don’t you start too.” She shook her finger in his face. “I spent almost two weeks locked up at your ranch. I won’t do it again. I’m not the one who did something wrong.”
Jace held up his hands. “All right, Bobbie. But would you at least make sure someone is with you at all times?”
“I won’t make any promises. I’ve had enough of being a prisoner. And don’t push this, Jace. I’m about fed up with the whole thing.”
“All right. I won’t say another word about it.” He turned his head. “Are we through, Morgan? I’d like to get Bobbie home.”
“Sure.” Morgan stood. “And Bobbie?” She looked up at him. “Please be careful.”
“I always am, Morgan.”
They stepped out onto the boardwalk before Jace stopped her and pointed to the bench in front of the sheriff’s office. “Why don’t you wait here, Bobbie? I’ll get a buggy for us.”
She dropped down on the bench without an argument.
As Jace’s long strides carried him toward the livery, his thoughtfulness made Bobbie’s heart swell. He had yet to repeat the words aloud that he loved her, but his every action toward her showed his feelings.
He seemed to be doing everything in his power to prove he deserved her trust. Did she love him? She wasn’t sure. But maybe it was time to open her heart and attempt to trust once again, come what may.
Intent on talking to Jace about her thoughts, Bobbie decided to leave the bench and head toward the livery.
Voices floated out of the doorway to the livery as she approached. They sounded excited, and one of the voices belonged to a woman. Bobbie peeked around the corner, and a gasp stuck at the back of her throat. Jace was hugging another woman, holding her in a way he’d never held her, and the look on his face told her all she needed to know.
Bobbie pulled back and leaned against the side of the livery to get her bearings. Then she turned and headed for the post office in search of a newspaper. She prayed there would be a listing for a ranch up for sale.
TWENTY-SIX
Bobbie found a newspaper and managed to return to the bench in front of the sheriff’s office before Jace arrived with a buggy. Without a word, she climbed onto the seat, not waiting for or wanting his help. She ignored the questioning looks he sent her way. He stayed quiet most of the way home, and Bobbie was grateful not to have to speak.
She jumped from the buggy as soon as it stopped at the house and threw a thank you over her shoulder.
“Bobbie?”
Jace’s voice stopped her. She didn’t turn around when he came up behind her because she couldn’t bring herself to look at his face.
“Are you all right? Did something happen at the sheriff’s office after I left? You were awfully quiet on the way home.”
“I’m...just tired.”
He placed a light touch on her shoulder. “Go get some rest,” he whispered.
Bobbie nodded and entered the house without looking back. She kicked off her shoes and fell onto the bed. The tears she’d managed to hold in check now made paths down her cheeks.
Help me, Lord. Ease this pain in my heart. She crumpled the paper to her chest. Please, Lord, let there be a listing of a ranch for sale. I can’t stay here. I can’t watch Jace with another woman.
These tears! They came so easily of late. Bobbie turned to her pillow and let the clean, crisp smell of the sheets soothe her. Maybe she’d rest a bit before tackling the sale ads. Her lids grew heavy.
The sound of laughter yanked Bobbie from her slumber. The moon cast an eerie glow in her room. She reached to light the lantern. As she sat up, a blanket fell from her shoulders. The laughter and happy chatter continued outside her door, but Bobbie wasn’t in the mood to join them. She changed into her working clothes and set about removing the tangles from her hair. A tap sounded on her door, and Bobbie turned as it opened.
“Bobbie, you’re awake,” Annie said as she entered. “There’s someone here I’d like you to meet. Will you come out and join us for supper?”
Bobbie followed Annie into the kitchen and hoped the smile pasted on her face didn’t look as fake as it felt. Her feet came to a halt and refused to move when she saw the woman seated next to Jace at the table—the same one Jace had held in his arms at the livery.
The woman’s hand laid possessive claim to Jace’s arm as she leaned toward him. The desire to tear the woman’s hair out washed over her.
Annie took Bobbie by the arm and led her further into the kitchen. “Bobbie, I’d like you to meet a long-time friend of ours, Kim Harbough. We grew up together. She’s like a sister to Jace and me.”
Bobbie forced the smile back on her face as she greeted the woman. Why did the name sound familiar? Her mind clung to the word sister, and she almost laughed. Kim’s manner toward Jace didn’t appear sisterly.
“Hi, Bobbie.” Kim approached and gave her a hug. “Annie and Jace have been telling me all about you. I’m delighted to meet someone so important to this family.”
Bobbie felt her mouth hanging open and clamped it shut. “Thank you,” she managed to say.
Kim gave her another quick hug before returning to her chair. Annie stepped in front of Bobbie.
“Are you feeling all right, Bobbie? Do you need to go back and get more rest? I know today was hard on you.”
Bobbie almost laughed. If you only knew. “I’ll be fine. I’ll get a bite to eat and then go back to bed.”
“Great. Have a seat, and we’ll get started.”
Bobbie hadn’t noticed the rest of Annie’s family sitting around the table. She now smiled at each of them before bowing her head while Pete blessed the meal. She latched onto something Pete said and mulled it over while the food was passed.
“Let Kim’s short stay with us be filled with fun and laughter while we renew our friendship.”
Short stay? That sounded promising. What am I thinking? If he could be so fickle as to turn his feelings on and off at will with two different women, then he wasn’t to be trusted.
“Bobbie?” Jace gave her quizzical look.
“Yes?”
“You didn’t answer Kim’s question.”
“I’m sorry. Could you repeat it for me?”
“What’s your favorite part of ranching?” Kim said.
“Oh, the horses. I find them very intelligent, and once they’re trained, they seem to want nothing more than to please their owner.”
Jace snorted. “She’s talking about her own horse, of course. They’re not all like that. Mack and Bobbie are so close, I think they can read each other’s minds.”
Bobbie stared Jace in the eyes. “I know I can trust him. He has never hurt me or let me down in any way.”
Jace’s gaze didn’t flinch from hers. He tilted his head and lifted an eyebrow.
“So,” Bobbie said, “you all grew up together.” She looked at Kim. “Were you neighbors?”
“No. My parents loved to travel and hardly ever stayed home.” Kim made a face. “They thought that would be bad for me, for my education, so they left me with my aunt and uncle, Frank and Dorothy Ashton. I’m sure you’ve met them. They run the mercantile.”
Bobbie nodded, the name finally falling into place. This was the Kim that Cade Ramsey loved. Apparently, Kim’s interest had changed targets.
“Well, Mrs. Kincaid was nice enough to invite me to stay with them during the summers. I enjoyed getting out of town for a while.” Kim reached over and touched Annie’s arm. “Not to mention spending so much time with my best friend. We used to stay up late some nights telling each other our hopes and dreams.”
“And giggling until Mom hollered for you to be quiet and go to sleep,” Jace said.
“That too.” An impish look came over her face. “I remember when Annie met Pete. Oh, the long hours of dreaming we did then.”
“Now, Kim,” Annie said, “some conversations were meant to stay secret.”
Pete’s fork clattered against his plate. “I think maybe I should hear some of what you said about me.”
Kim opened her mouth to speak. Annie cut her off. “Well, if we’re going to reveal secrets, I could mention a few nights spent mooning over another certain young man.” All eyes went to Kim, who blushed a pretty pink as she dropped her gaze.
“All right, Annie,” she said. “You win.”
What little appetite Bobbie had disappeared. She slid her chair back and stood.
“If you’ll excuse me, I think I need a little more rest. It was nice meeting you, Kim. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
Bobbie retreated to the safety of her room. She thought she’d have to ask forgiveness later for her abrupt departure, but it would have to wait until her frame of mind improved. She plopped on her bed and snatched up the newspaper.
Jace stared at Bobbie’s closed door for several long moments. What happened between the questioning at the sheriff’s office and the ride home? Bobbie went from a person clinging to him and looking to him for comfort to being withdrawn and prickly. Kim’s presence couldn’t be the cause. Bobbie started acting funny before the two women met. Much as he wanted to confront her about it, he’d have to wait. He pulled his attention back to the conversation between Annie and Kim, something he found himself having to do many times over the course of the night.
He woke the next morning with the intent to find a moment alone with Bobbie. Did she remember something about her attacker? Was it something Cassie said? Women! He’d never figure them out.
Annie and Kim bustled around the kitchen making breakfast. Bobbie wasn’t there. Jace peeked into her room and found it empty. Had she gone off riding again? If so, he knew where to find her. Then he’d wring her neck for going off alone.
Annie turned and smiled. “Good morning, Jace. Bobbie wanted me to tell you that she and Sonny went after that cat again. Sonny thought he saw some tracks along the creek.”
Jealousy fought with alarm at the thought of Bobbie and Sonny together. “How long ago did they leave?”
Annie glanced at the clock. “About half an hour ago, I guess.”
He turned to leave.
“You’re not staying for breakfast? Kim’s leaving for town this morning, and we won’t get to see her again until Sunday. She might be leaving shortly after that.”
“I guess I’ve got a few minutes.”
He pulled out a chair and told himself to be patient. It didn’t work. Being polite and attentive took every bit of his effort. When Kim finally said her good-byes, he blew a sigh of relief.
Dew pointed the way Sonny and Bobbie had headed. Jace took off at a gallop after them. They had an hour head start, and he guessed it would take him at least half an hour to find them.
The crack of a rifle echoed back to him from the east ridge. He reined to a stop and listened for another shot. It never came. Heart pounding, Jace urged his horse back into a gallop, praying for Bobbie’s safety. He found her and Sonny squatting down where a mountain ravine ran into the creek.
Sonny turned and waved him over. “Jace, you’ve got to see this. Bobbie hit that mountain lion right in the heart.”
Relief rolled through him with such force, he felt weak. After a quick glance at him, Bobbie turned back and continued examining the cat, exhibiting no more warmth than she had last night. The woman drove him to distraction.
Jace squatted next to her. “That’s a big cat.” She didn’t say a word. “Nice shot.”
“Yeah, I’m good for some things,” Bobbie said.
Jace studied the woman he loved before he stood. “Good work, you two. I guess we won’t have to worry about this critter killing any more cattle. Now we only have a bigger one to catch.”
Sonny grinned and shook his head.
“Why don’t you head back, Sonny. I’m taking Bobbie with me for a while. We won’t be long.”
Sonny looped his thumbs in his belt. “Need help with anything, Jace?”
“No thanks. I think I can handle this job.”
Sonny hunched his shoulders and shoved his fists deep into the pockets of his denims.
Jace winked. “Thanks for all your help.”
“You bet.”
Bobbie headed for her horse as soon as Sonny left. She shoved her rifle in its sheath and tied it down. “What’s the job?”
Jace followed close behind. “It has nothing to do with ranching.” His hand closed around hers. “What’s wrong, Bobbie? You’ve been acting cool and withdrawn since our meeting with Morgan. What happened?”
Bobbie spun away from him, but he took her by the arms and turned her back.
“Talk to me, Bobbie.”
“There’s nothing to talk about, Jace.”
“Everything about you is important to me.”
Bobbie’s lips thinned into a straight line, and her chin jutted forward. Jace held her in silence, waiting for her to speak her mind.
“How long is Kim staying?”
Confusion jumbled his thoughts. “I don’t know. It depends.”
Bobbie snorted a laugh. “On what?”
Jace wanted to shake her for changing the subject. “On what kind of response she gets from Cade. Why does this matter?”
“Cade?”
Jace’s grip loosened. “Yes, Cade. If she gets the reaction she’s hoping for, she might stay a little longer, maybe indefinitely.”
Bobbie looked away, tucked her hands in her pockets, and kicked at the soil with her boot.
“I told you about the two of them in school,” Jace said. “Did you think she was here for me?”
Bobbie’s gaze dropped to her feet as she shrugged. He put his fingers under her chin and lifted until their eyes met.
“Would it have bothered you if she was?” he asked in a whisper. She didn’t answer. “Is that what all this has been about?”
She stepped back, and he had to release her.
“I saw the way you held her in the livery. What else was I supposed to think?”
“You could have asked me about it instead of jumping to conclusions. Granted, I made the same mistake about you not all that long ago when I thought you were a bank robber.” He took her by the arms again. “But I thought we’d both learned from that.”
Bobbie shrugged. Jace smiled down at her. He ran a finger along her jaw line. “Were you jealous?” She tried to look away but he cupped her face in his hands. “Tell me, Bobbie,” he whispered. “Were you jealous?”
“I...ah...” Her tongue darted out to wet her lips. “Maybe.”
