The Whisperers: A Three Book Box Set Page 19

  “Please tell me you didn’t agree!”

  “I kind of did.”

  “Why?” Teddy jumped up. “Alex, are you crazy?”

  “Quite the contrary.”

  Teddy threw up her hands then paced across the room and back. “He’s trying to take the ranch from Jake’s family, has screwed with Mik and…and no telling what and you’re going to commit a criminal act for him? That sounds like certifiable to me.”

  “I’m not doing anything criminal, Teddy. His Aunt Henrietta is still on the board and has a lot of clout in the company. She’s requisitioning the records. All I’m doing is an audit. It’s done all the time.”

  “Whatever.” Teddy stopped her pacing to look at her sister. “I still don’t see how it helps us.”

  Alex reached for her bag that she’d put on the floor by the couch. From it she took a pen. “Before you go all nuts, just listen. I took this from him. I want to see what you get from it and then I want you to hear what I saw when I was in his office.”

  Teddy looked at the pen in Alex’s hand and then at Alex. “Please,” Alex said.

  “Fine.” Teddy sat down and took the pen.

  She closed her eyes and tried to regulate her breathing. At first, there was nothing. She was about to open her eyes when the images began.

  Robert Dalton Manning was standing in front of a window in a lavish room. There was an antique desk, a leather couch, several matching wing chairs and expensive lamps on antique tables. Outside the window was what looked like a long expanse of landscaped grounds.

  On one side of Manning stood a young man. His dress was not current. In fact, he looked like something out of a history book. On the other side of Manning stood an older man.

  The resemblance between Manning and the older man was marked. “She has to be stopped, son,” the older man said. “She and the evil that controls her.”

  Manning didn’t respond to the comment. It was as if he didn’t even hear it.

  Teddy’s eyes flew open.

  “What did you see?” Alex asked.

  Teddy quickly told her and Alex nodded. “I saw the man. In Rob’s office. That’s his father. She killed him, Teddy. And she wants to destroy the entire Nash family. Or at least something inside her does.”

  “The woman in the vision,” Teddy said. “The one I got from the coin.”

  “Yes. Deidre is being controlled by her.”

  “Is that even possible?” Teddy didn’t want to believe it. Despite the fact that Alex could communicate with the dead, Teddy didn’t want to believe that the dead could control the living.

  “Apparently,” Alex answered. “Rob isn’t evil, Teddy. He has been going along with Deidre to try and stay out of her crosshairs so he could prove that she killed his father. But she’s smart and she’s out to destroy Rob.”

  “You really believe that?”

  “I do.”

  “So what do we do?”

  “What I do is perform the audit. What you do is get things squared away in your shop. Rob is giving you a month to clear it out with no extra rent. The same here. You can keep paying or terminate the lease and be out in a month.”

  “And what if you don’t find anything in the audit?”

  “Then we’re no worse off than when we started. But I’m betting I will. Rob swears it was Deidre who was responsible for the water being poisoned at the ranch. If I can find the money trail to support that he can give it to the police.”

  “And help Jake and his family.”

  “And Mik.”

  “And Mik,” Teddy added. “Okay, fine. I’ll be out of the shop by the end of the month.”

  “What about this place?”

  “I don’t know. I need some time to think – to look for a job.”

  “You’re welcome to come stay with me. You know that, right?”

  “Yes and I love you for it, but I’d rather not. Just give me a little time. Oh, oh my god, I didn’t tell you. Jake and I are going to Arizona!”

  “Say what?”

  Teddy felt a little surge of excitement that helped dispel some of the gloom and despair. There was no guarantee that Jake would win, but at least it was a chance. Moreover, she believed that Jake could win, even if he didn’t believe in himself.

  *****

  Jake took off his hat, mopped his sweaty face with a bandana he pulled from his back pocket and then crammed his hat back on his head. “You can’t do it all in one day.” Jed’s voice came from behind him.

  Jake turned in the direction of Jed’s voice. “I know but the more I get done before I leave the less you have to deal with.”

  “I can handle it.” Jed walked up and put his hand on the top of Jake’s shoulder to give it a squeeze.

  “With Mik and Jesse gone, you’re way beyond short-handed.”

  “Colton said he’d come over and lend a hand for a couple of days.”

  “He’s a good guy.”

  “Yeah, he is. He’s gonna bring a couple of new horses and I’ll trade off by gentling them for him.”

  Jake grinned. “At least this curse has some advantages to it.”

  “Not curse,” Jed corrected. “I promised Mik I’d quit calling it that.”

  “Yeah, Teddy got on me about it. Said we just gave it power by putting negative energy into it and if we start focusing on the positive aspects we can get rid of the negative.”

  “Let’s hope they’re right.”

  “Amen to that.”

  “So what time’s your flight?”

  “At four.”

  “Then you better get a move on, brother. Call when you’re ready and I’ll drive you.”

  “We can just leave my truck at the airport. I know you’ve got things to do.”

  “Like I said, call when you’re ready.”

  “Okay. Thanks, Jed.”

  Jake watched his brother walk away then turned and looked around. The hay was all stacked, the barns cleaned and all the feed and water troughs in the paddocks filled. He’d taken care of all the horses and fed the cattle and even had cleaned up the breeding barn and the storage shed. Jed would still have his hands full but with Colton’s help, Jake was sure he would manage.

  He hoped the same held true for him. Teddy was so convinced that he could win the Horse Whisperer contest that it made him a little nervous. He didn’t want to let her down or destroy her trust and confidence in him. Mik had assured him that she believed he could do it. She said he had every bit the ability she or Jed possessed. He just didn’t believe in it and maybe it was time to start believing.

  Jake was trying but had never been put to the test like this and he was honest enough with himself to admit that he was a little scared. But he had to get past that because he wanted to win. He wanted to help the ranch and he wanted Teddy to be proud of him.

  And if he did win, then he was going to ask Teddy to move in with him. He knew she was having a hard time financially and he’d talked with Jed and Jesse about it. Neither of them had objections. Having Teddy live at the lake house with him wasn’t going to put a burden on the family, and Jed thought Mik would enjoy having her sister there.

  Jake knew that Jed would do just about anything to make Mik happy and for the first time in his life, he understood why. He was willing to risk public embarrassment and humiliation in this Horse Whisperer contest to make Teddy proud and win her respect.

  His phone buzzed with a text and he pulled it from the clip on his belt. It was Teddy. She was on her way to the ranch. Jake turned on his heel and headed for the lake house to clean up. He looked up at the sky as he walked and made a silent request to the universe to help him do well. For the first time in his life, he wanted to be a hero.

  *****

  Teddy felt like she was about to jump out of her skin. This was the third day of the contest and Jake had the lead in scoring but today the horse he was given was about the most ill-tempered animal ever born. She climbed off the temporary bleachers that had been set up for the audience and
made her way toward the refreshment wagon.

  There was a line so while she waited she looked around. This was a beautiful place despite the harsh landscape. She’d never been to Arizona and now wished she had time to explore.

  It was an odd coincidence that Colton Marsh’s sister, Carly was hosting the contest at her ranch. Even more of a coincidence, Mik and Jesse were staying with Carly while they were in Arizona for a rodeo.

  Teddy felt the frown form on her face and tried to shake off the bad mood that was threatening. Carly Marsh had been nothing but kind and nice to her and yet Teddy wanted to claw the woman’s eyes out. The second day after she and Jake arrived, Teddy had spotted Jesse standing with Carly at the paddock fence, watching the competition.

  The way they leaned in close to talk and the looks exchanged between them were all too easy to read. They were attracted to one another. Thus far, she didn’t think they’d acted on the attraction and she was making damn sure to keep her antennae up and her senses open whenever she was around either one. If Jesse was starting up something with Carly Marsh then he darn sure owed Alex an explanation.

  At least in Teddy’s mind. He and Alex had not actually dated, but during family gatherings, they had exchanged flirtatious banter and Teddy thought Alex was interested. Sure, she was cautious, but that was just Alex’s way.

  “Hey!” Mik’s voice had her turning to face her sister.

  “What’s up?” Mik asked.

  “Just grabbing a lemonade and maybe a sandwich. Jake should be up next.”

  “He’s going to win,” Mik said and reached out to take Teddy’s hand. “I’m so glad you talked him into this, Teddy. Jake has a lot more talent and ability than he realizes. This could really put him on the map.”

  “I hope so,” Teddy said and gave Mik’s hand a squeeze. “Uh, listen, can I ask you something?”

  “Sure, what?”

  “Are Jesse and Carly … you know…”

  Mik’s eyebrows shot up. “Getting it on? Riding the wild stallion?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Don’t think so. Jesse and I haven’t had much time since we got here and he hasn’t said anything to me that would lead me to think they were involved. Why?”

  “Just … just the way they look at each other.”

  “Come on, Teddy, you know Jesse. He’s friendly and outgoing and a notorious flirt.”

  “But he and Alex …”

  Mik rolled her eyes. “Honey, if Alex wanted Jesse she’d have already lassoed him.”

  “No, you’re wrong, Alex is cautious. She doesn’t just rush into things.”

  “You mean money things. Trust me, if Alex wanted Jesse she’d already have carved a notch in her belt with his initials. Honestly, I don’t think he’s her type.”

  “How could he not be?” Teddy couldn’t imagine Alex not being attracted to Jesse. Jed and Jake were both sexy as sin, but Jesse was a whole other level of sexy.

  “He just isn’t. Come on, you know Alex. She’d never be happy with a rodeo cowboy. Or a rancher. Or even someone with the sheriff’s department. Alex wants … well, she wants worldly and powerful or exotic and mysterious.”

  Teddy considered it. “Well, I still think if he’s going to take up with Carly he should have at least let Alex know.”

  “You’re making too much of this Teddy. Trust me. Alex can take care of herself.”

  “I just don’t want her to be hurt, Mik.”

  “I don’t think there’s any danger of that so don’t get yourself all worked up. And don’t let it color your judgment of Carly. Personally, I like her. She knows her business, is great with horses and unless I’m wrong she has some skills of her own.”

  “You mean like Jake or you or …”

  “Don’t know. Just know she sets off my spider senses. But not in a bad way. Anyway, I have to go so wish me luck and cut Jesse and Carly some slack, okay?”

  Teddy nodded. “Good luck. I’m rooting for you. Jesse too.”

  “Thank hon. Love you.”

  “Love you.”

  Teddy watched Mik gesture to Jesse and head for the truck. Jesse gave her a wave as he passed and she returned it. Maybe Mik was right. Alex had never had any trouble getting a man. If she wanted Jesse, she could probably have him. And maybe it was unfair for Teddy to think ill of Carly. After all, why wouldn’t she be attracted to Jesse?

  Maybe it was just being nervous about the outcome of the contest that had Teddy’s emotions and thoughts screwed up. She knew that no matter what Jake said, he really wanted to win. He wanted to take home that fifty thousand dollar prize and be a hero to his family, help to save the ranch.

  She wanted that for him. Offering a wish to the universe that he would get what he wanted, she placed her order for a lemonade, paid and hurried back to the stands.

  *****

  Jake clinked his beer bottle against Jesse’s. “Way to go, bro. Qualified for Nationals.”

  Jesse smiled and took a drink from his beer. “Still no guarantee.”

  “No, but a fighting chance.”

  “Speaking of which, from what I hear you’re kicking some serious ass.”

  “Still in the running.” Jake didn’t want to jinx himself by being over confident.

  “I’m proud of you,” Jesse said. “You’ve really stepped up the last few months, Jake, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.”

  “Just trying to do my part.”

  “And then some.”

  “I don’t know about all that.” Jake finished his beer and leaned back against the porch rail. “I don’t know if I’d like ranching here,” he commented as he looked out across the land.

  Jesse, who stood beside him shrugged. “I don’t know. It has a certain beauty.”

  “You talking about the land or the owner?”

  Jesse looked over at him and smiled. “A little of both.”

  “She is hot. And from the looks of this place a good rancher.”

  Jesse nodded. “I like her.”

  “As in like her, like her?”

  “Don’t know yet.”

  “What about Alex?”

  “What about her?”

  “I thought you and her…”

  “Nope.” Jesse turned and leaned back against the railing. “Don’t get me wrong. Alex is a great gal. Hot as hell, smart, ambitious and nobody’s fool, but—well, there’s just no spark, you know? Not for either of us.”

  “Oh.”

  “Oh? What you were hoping we’d all hook up with the Morgan gals?”

  “Course not. Just – just asking.”

  “Speaking of the Morgan gals. Seems you and Teddy are getting pretty serious.”

  Jake considered his words before responding. “She’s not like any of the other women I’ve been with and I don’t just mean sex. With her, it’s more. She makes me – aww forget it.”

  “No, go on.”

  “No, you’ll give me shit.”

  “No, I won’t.”

  Jake hesitated for a beat. “She makes me want to be better. Do better, accomplish things, and make her proud.”

  “You’re in love with her.”

  Jake nodded and Jesse grinned at him. “Nothing to be ashamed of little brother. Consider yourself lucky. I’ve been watching Jed and Mik—what they have. Never thought I’d see Jed be the way he is.”

  “You mean happy?”

  Jesse laughed. “Yeah, even with all the shit that’s going down, he’s happy. Crazy in love with that woman. If you have that with Teddy then I say go for it. It doesn’t happen for everyone so if you’ve got a chance at it, grab it.”

  “You mean that?”

  “Oh yeah.”

  “Thanks. That means a lot. So, you and Mik headed back home in the morning?”

  “Crack of dawn. It’s a long ride and even longer with the horses.”

  “When you figuring on being back home?”

  “Probably a day before you get back.”

  “Just don’t push it. Jed’ll kick yo
ur ass if you let anything happen to Mik.”

  “Don’t I know it?” Jesse pushed away from the porch rail. “I’m beat. You and Teddy staying here tonight or going back to the hotel?”

  “The hotel. Teddy isn’t real comfortable around Carly.”

  “Why?”

  “I think it might have something to do with Alex. Teddy thought you and Alex had something going on.”

  “Well, she thought wrong. Night, Jake. Have Teddy drive if you’ve had more than a couple of those okay? And call me after the contest tomorrow and let me know how you did.”

  “I will,” Jake agreed. “Night Jesse.”

  He watched Jesse go inside then turned to look out over the land again. A minute or so later he heard the screen door of the house. It wasn’t long before two arms wrapped around his waist and he felt Teddy press against his back.

  “Hey, sugar.”

  “Hey,” she spoke against his back.

  Jesse worked free of her embrace to turn toward her. He took her hands. “You ready to head back to the hotel.”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Tired?”

  “Just ready to be somewhere else.”

  Jake knew then something was eating at her. “Okay, let’s go thank Carly for dinner and say goodbye to Mik.”

  “I already did that.”

  “Then give me a minute to do the same, okay?”

  She nodded without speaking. Jake gave her a quick kiss then hurried inside to say his goodbyes.

  Teddy stood staring out at the sky, watching it darken. She knew Jake sensed something was off with her and she wanted to be honest with him but after speaking with Mik, she was hesitant. Jake had enough on his plate right now without her adding her speculations on Jesse’s love life.

  Maybe she should just keep her mouth shut and follow Mik’s lead – let Alex take care of Alex’s love life.

  “Ready baby?” Jake’s voice had her turning in the direction of the door. She smiled and accompanied him to the rental car the contest sponsors had made available to them.

  The first part of the drive back to the hotel passed in silence. They were less than a block from the hotel when Jake reached over and took her hand. “You want to tell me what’s eating at you?”