Hank Ward, watch your mouth. Ms. Blainey swept through the room carrying a tray with drinks.
Sir, Ill be working on my own time for this case, Cameron stated. You wont be required to pay anything. Prescott Personal Securities is in this no matter whether they get paid or not. Two of our agents have already been involved and almost killed trying to figure out whats going on and who killed the CEOs.
When the older woman fussed over the pillows behind Hanks head, he waved her away. Leave it, woman. I can do for myself.
I can see that, Ms. Blainey said, a smile twitching at the corners of her mouth, undeterred by Hanks surly disposition.
The owner of the Flying W focused his attention on Cameron. Why dont you go put a tail on the Russian mob, or figure out who owns that blind trust and leave us alone?
I understand your frustration, sir, Cameron stated. But this could be a very dangerous situation for you and Jennie.
Jennie watched the two men posturing in the living room. If Cameron hoped to win her father over, he had to be the sound and rational one. Hank could get downright blustery and mean. As the younger man, and a Morgan, he had to prove to the old coot he could keep his cool, no matter what was thrown at him.
We dont have any evidence other than a land coordinate found on a disk full of other land coordinates, two of which match the land formerly owned by dead men, Cameron explained again. There are not enough hard facts to get the police interested. Were not sure of the motive for the killings, but we think you might be in danger.
Sounds like you dont know much. Hanks words were spoken with harsh undertones, clearly meant as an insult.
Cameron nodded, a serious frown bringing his eyebrows together. Thats right, sir. We dont know enough. But were fairly certain that whatever happens next will happen to either the Wards or the Morgans.
Hank slapped the arm of his chair. Then go warn your family. Well take care of our own.
I will, sir. Cameron stepped forward, his jaw hardening. When Im done here.
The older man glared at Cameron. Youre done as far as Im concerned.
Jennie could have kicked her father. If youd stop being such a horses behind, you might listen to the rest. Camerons offered to stay on and be our bodyguard until this thing blows over.
Hank barked out a cross between a snort and laughter. The movement jostled his body and a moan escaped his lips. He winced and shifted on the pillow. A Morgan playing bodyguard to a Ward? No way. Especially not to my Jennie. Thats kinda like the fox guarding the henhouse, if you ask me. I wont have you breakin her heart all over again.
Heat burned a path up Jennies neck to fill her cheeks. Dad, that was a long time ago. Its not as if hell break anybodys heart. Theres nothing between the two of us anymore. She could feel the warmth of Camerons gaze on her, but she hesitated to face him.
After a deep breath, she turned toward the first man shed ever loved and leveled a stare at him, telling herself she believed what shed saidthere was nothing left between them. Hed left ten years ago. Shed married after he left and the rest was history.
Relationships hurt, sometimes physically, and she wanted no part of that. She wasnt interested in starting something with Cameron Morgan at all. Not one bit. A little voice in the back of her consciousness whispered, Liar. Squelching that voice, she said, Theres nothing between us, isnt that right?
Cameron caught her gaze and held it for a long moment before he answered. Thats right.
Despite her conviction, the ache in her belly left her empty. She knew better than anyone relationships didnt always work out. She and Cameron never really had a chance, not with the way their families felt about each other and the way Cameron felt about staying on the ranch. The circumstances hadnt changed. The Morgans still hated the Wards and the feeling was mutual on her fathers part.
I dont care whether or not theres anything goin on between you two, Hank said. Strike that. Yes I do care, but thats beside the point. We can take care of our own.
Bull. Jennie propped her hands on her hips. You wont be getting around for at least two weeks on that ankle. We only have three men to work the ranch. If we pull them to baby-sit you and me, who will take care of the livestock?
Her father opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again and then crossed his arms over his chest. I dont want a Morgan on my property.
Jennie crossed her own arms over her chest like her father and leveled a fierce look at him. Tough. How do you explain that snake in the feed bin last week?
Hungry snake? Hank countered.
Jennie rolled her eyes. You know as well as everyone else, those lids are always on tight to keep the mice out.
Someone probably forgot to put it back. Hanks voice was more belligerent than convincing.
Do you ever leave the lid off the feed bins Stan, Rudy, Doug? She glanced at each man one at a time. Each shook his head and mumbled, No, maam. Doug fidgeted with the straw cowboy hat he held between his large calloused hands, his gaze darting toward the door every few minutes.
Perhaps having the hands in on the discussion wasnt the right way to handle the problem. They liked their solitude, especially Doug, the loner.
You should have seen Miss Jennie when she saw that snake. Rudy grinned at Cameron. Hit it with her first shotusing a pistol, no less.
Refusing to be sidetracked, Jennie brought up the issue shed discovered that morning. What about the razor blade in my saddle?
Camerons eyes widened. Razor blade?
Jennie nodded.
Her father didnt have an answer for that one. His face set in a stubborn scowl. I wont have a Morgan on my property.
Seems like youre in no condition to disagree. Jennie leaned close to her father, her face in an equally stubborn scowl. If I say he stays, he stays.
Hanks cheeks burned red beneath the tanned, leatherlike skin. This is my ranch, girl. I make the decisions.
Oh quit your bellyaching, Hank, and take these painkillers. Rachel Blainey was back in the room, handing Hank two tablets and a tall glass of lemonade. Jennies right. You need help, whether you like it or not. Camerons offering at no cost. Youd be a fool to refuse.
Whats with the women in this house? Isnt a mans home supposed to be his castle? Hank tossed the pills to the back of his throat and swallowed a gulp of lemonade. I will not be overruled by a couple of women. Im the boss and I can fire you if I want. His bluster faded a bit when Rachel winced.
The older woman stood firm. You have that right, but youd be an even bigger fool to do it. Who would cook the meals?
He nodded toward Jennie.
She shook her head and smiled. You want to live to be eighty, dont you?
Then Rudy can learn to cook.
Rudy backed away, his hands held up. Oh no, not me. I wouldnt know a pan from a skillet. Besides, who would take care of the animals?
Hank turned a hopeful look on Stan Keller, his foreman and longtime friend.
Stan shook his head. All I can cook is canned beans and weenies. Care to eat that three times a day, seven days a week? I like Ms. Rachels cookin. I like it enough Id consider quittinif she was to up and leave.