Whats this?
A note that was stuck under my windshield.
He tried to make out the words in the darkness, but couldnt. Come on up to the porch, he said.
Together they walked to the tiny porch and he read the note, then looked at her sharply. You showed this to Sheriff Broder?
She nodded and sank into one of the wicker chairs.
Want some iced tea? A soda?
Tea would be wonderful, she replied.
Jerrod grabbed his empty glass, then went inside to get the drinks. For a moment he leaned against the counter and fought a wave of anger as he thought of anyone threatening Johnna. The anger was tempered with a sickening swirl of fear for her safety. He checked on his father, who was sleeping soundly, fixed two glasses of tea, then stepped back out to the porch and handed her one.
Thanks, she murmured, and took a sip.
In the yellow glare of the porch light, he noted she looked drawn. He sat in the other chair and looked at her intently. Maybe you should drop the case. I can give Erin the names of several good attorneys in Texas. Theyd be glad to take her on.
She eyed him with disbelief and he saw the stubborn thrust of her chin. You really think Im going to allow an anonymous note and a little spray paint to scare me away? Not a chance.
I should have known better, he said dryly. There were times hed wondered if his appeal to her had been based on her stubbornness and her refusal to bend to what others thought appropriate.
What I cant understand is why somebody would care whether I defend Erin or not. She frowned thoughtfully. Its not like if I dont do it, nobody will.
Maybe somebody is afraid that youre such a good attorney youll get Erin off.
She emitted a burst of laughter. Boy, can I tell youre new in town. She frowned again. My law office has only been open less than a year. I havent exactly made a reputation yet.
Youre wrong. He pulled his chair closer, so close his knees bumped hers. You have made a reputation for yourself as a determined and passionate advocate for the downtrodden in this town. Youre a good lawyer, Johnna, just as I always knew you would be.
Her eyes flared with a momentary glitter of gratitude, as if she rarely heard words singing her praises. Shed been a teenager whod needed to be told often that she was good and worthwhile, and it appeared that much hadnt changed in the intervening years.
And something else that hadnt changed. When theyd been young and in love, Jerrod had been fascinated by Johnnas mouth. Hed seen her full, bottom lip as a blatant invitation and now found himself remembering the sheer pleasure of kissing her.
Johnna kissed like she did everything, throwing herself into it with passion and heart. A spark ignited in Jerrod as he thought of the kisses theyd shared in the past. Hot, fiery kisses that had stirred him to his core. Heaven help him, but she was a temptation.
Jerrod, youre staring, she said with a trace of embarrassment.
Sorry. He mentally shook himself and sat up straighter in his chair. So, where do you go from here with the case?
The first thing I intend to do is hire Judd Stevens to do some investigative work for me. I want to get as much background material as I can, and with having to work twenty-five hours a week at the ranch, I just cant do it all myself.
Why do you have to work twenty-five hours a week at the ranch?
Again a frown creased the smooth skin of her forehead. My fathers will. She paused a moment to take a sip of her tea, the tip of her tongue darting out to lick her lips. Again Jerrod felt a burst of heat suffuse him. Its my fathers attempt to control us beyond the grave.
What do you mean? Jerrod took a long swallow of his own tea in an effort to cool himself.
According to Fathers will, none of us can inherit the ranch for a year, and during that year we all have to work twenty-five hours a week there. Otherwise we forfeit everything and Aunt Clara gets it all.
Why would he do something like that?
She stood, as if unable to discuss her father from a relaxed position. Because he was a mean, hateful man who loved to control the four of us. She paced in front of Jerrod. I wouldnt mind forfeiting myself. Ive always hated the ranch.
Jerrod said nothing, although he knew better. But, she continued, the ranch is so important to Matthew. I have my law practice, Luke has his music and Mark now has April. Matthew has nothing but the ranch. I cant be the one to take away his dream.
So the will is set up so that if one of you defaults, you all lose? Jerrod asked, and got to his feet, also.
Her fragrance surrounded him, the scent of summer flowers and vanilla, and he stepped closer to her, drawn to her as he had been so long ago.
Was the magic theyd once had gone forever? Never to be recaptured? Crushed beneath the weight of his youthful mistake and the circumstances that had brought them here in this place in time?
She nodded absently in answer to his question. Ive got to get home. I have a full day planned for tomorrow. I need to talk to people who knew Erin and Richard. She stepped off the porch and he followed her.