Cameron clapped a hand to his sisters back. So, does that make every semester so far?
Molly shrugged, but a grin lit her freckled face. Yeah. Gotta have top grades to get into Colorado States Veterinary School.
Youll make it at that rate. His sister was smart and determined to succeed, like every other Morgan on the ranch. Theyd been raised to win. He wondered where hed have been if hed taken the football scholarship to University of Colorado, instead of tossing it all and joining the army. Not that he regretted joining the army. Hed learned more in his six years as a Ranger than if hed spent the same six in college.
Molly, why dont you get your brother something to drink?
Whatll you have? Coffee, soda or beer? Im legal now, you know. Already on her way to the kitchen, Molly smiled over her shoulder. Whatll it be?
Water would be great.
As soon as Molly left the living room, Emma Morgans smile turned downward. Whats wrong?
His mother could always see through him and he wasnt going to stall her as he had Logan. His mother would listen and if he hoped to get his father to hear and understand, he had to convince her of the danger and the need to be careful. Prescott Personal Securities has come across some kind of conspiracy and we think its headed toward the border of the Bar M and the Flying W.
The light died in her eyes and her lips thinned into a straight line. Tell me about it.
Molly returned with a glass of water and they sat on the brown leather chairs around the stone fireplace. For the next twenty minutes Cameron told them what hed told the Wards.
Wow. Its all kinda scary. Do you really think were in danger? Molly asked, a frown mixing the freckles on her brow.
Cameron nodded, his gaze focused on his mothers worried, dust-streaked face. Yes, maam.
I know you wouldnt have come out to tell us if you didnt mean it. His mother patted his hand. Im just sorry it has to be bad news that brings you out. She sighed. Now, all we have to do is convince the men. Im going to clean up for dinner. Your father will be in at any moment. Logans probably clued him in that youre here.
As soon as his mother left the room, Molly pounced on him with questions of her own. How was Jennie? I havent seen her in so long. Are you two going to start seeing each other again? I think this whole feud mess is just stupid and we should tell Dad to just get over it.
Tell Dad to get over what? The deep, rich timbre of Tom Morgans voice filled the room all the way to the exposed rough-hewn timbers in the cathedral ceiling.
Cameron rose from the chair and almost laughed out loud at his sister.
Mollys eyes widened and she gulped. She stood and hooked Camerons arm, turning him to face his father. Dad, look whos here.
His father dipped his head. Son. No hug, no smile. Just one word and it was as cold as a blue norther screaming down off the slopes. What did it take to melt the mountain of ice around his fathers heart? Would he ever forgive him for making his own choices and meet him halfway?
Hi, Dad. Not for the first time, Cameron regretted the loss of the closeness theyd shared in his teens. Cameron had never understood the rift between Tom Morgan and Hank Ward, and his father hadnt bothered to enlighten him. The feud resulting from the rift had been the major reason hed left everything he loved behindthe Bar M Ranch, his family and Jennie.
Logan entered behind his father and stood beside him.
What brings you out of the big city? His father slapped his hat against his thigh, a thin cloud of dust rising from the denim.
Cameron knew better than to sugarcoat anything for his father. Trouble.
Logan snorted. Figures.
What kind of trouble? his father asked.
I think someone might be out to hurt either the Morgans or the Wards. Maybe both. I just came over from the Flying W. Someone took a shot at Hank Ward.
Good, the old man probably deserves it, Logan said.
But his father didnt respond immediately. His jaw tightened and his brown eyes burned. You went to the Flying W instead of telling your own family first?
He should have expected his father to react that way. Nevertheless the older mans words rubbed Cameron wrong. Jennie had been his sweetheart, his first love.
Tom Morgan had never reconciled himself to Cameron seeing Jennie and viewed his association as defection to the other side.
Cameron opened his mouth to explain his reasoning and thought better of it. Yes. I stopped at the Flying W.
You always were the black sheep. I never could get it through your head that Morgans and Wards dont mix.
Molly blew out a loud sigh and let go of Camerons arm. While you men are conducting your pissing contest, Ill put fresh sheets on the bed in your old room.
Dont bother, Molly. Camerons gaze met his fathers. Ill be staying at the Flying W.
Chapter Four
Cameron held his breath, maintaining a poker face as his fathers chest filled like an overextended balloon. Instead of the explosive tirade Cameron fully expected, Tom Morgan spun on his booted heel and left the house, the door slamming behind him.
Logan shot an intense glare at Cameron and followed his father out the door, leaving Cameron and the women standing in their wake.
Camerons mother expelled a long breath and forced a smile. Well, that went over well, now didnt it? She clapped her hands together. What can I get you? Do you want to take your saddle? You might need it over there.
If you still have it, that would be great. Cameron crossed the room and stood in front of his mother. Im sorry if Ive made things uncomfortable for you and Molly.
And Im sorry your father is so bullheaded. She smiled up at him and touched a hand to his cheek. Im glad to see you, son. Dont let your fathers attitude make you think any differently.
He touched a hand to hers, pressing her cool, dry fingers to his heated skin. You understand why I have to go to the Flying W, dont you?
Yes.
Molly stepped up beside him. Me, too.
Theres another man from the agency, Jack Sanders, who is due to come out to stay with you and provide you with protection. I told him to give it a day before he came. He sighed. See what you can do to convince him. Cameron jerked his head in the direction his father had gone.
I will. If nothing else, well keep Jack around the house for Molly and me.
Not that you cant handle a gun or horse better than any man in the county. Of that I have no doubt. But it helps to have another pair of eyes looking out for you, especially while youre working.
Thanks, Cam. His mother pushed her hair back off her dirty face and smiled. You better get that saddle and hightail it back to the Wards place. Hate to think of Hank being laid up and Jennie fending for herself.
Cameron turned to go and thought again. Mom, what happened to make Dad hate Hank Ward so much? No ones ever bothered to tell us.
His mother drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Its a touchy subject.
Considering whats going on, now might be the time to tell me about it.