"How serious is the situation?" Logan, the Kings' VP asks.
Fuck, so much for my plan to keep the club out of it, so I might as well give them the rundown. Over the next few minutes, I explain all the letters, and more importantly, the most recent one, which has me running to some small town I've never been to before.
"So, this Callaghan Ranch is where you plan on staying for a while?" Emerson says while holding her sleeping daughter.
"That's the plan. Lev and his men are good people. He's right there to keep me informed on whatever he finds out, and I getto have peace and quiet. And believe me, I need this break. I'm running on empty," I tell her.
"You could have stayed here, with me—with your family," Emerson says.
"I know, but the last thing I want is to drag my family into the middle of a situation that could bring unwanted stress."
"East. We are more than capable of dealing with undesirable people and situations." My sister points to all the men.
"Let the man be, Sunshine.. If he says he can handle his own shit, let him," Quinn tells my sister.
Emerson sighs. "Fine. But if this bitch tries to hurt you, I'll fuck her up. I know how to hide a body." I chuckle, believing every word she says. "And you better call me every week to keep me from losing my mind with worry, or I'll kick your ass."
I love my family.
4
CAT
"Hey, Cat." Steve pops his head into the barn. I shift and wipe the sweat from my brow with the back of my hand.
"What's up?" I ask.
"Arthur wants me to run into town and get some more chicken feed. Is there anything else I should pick up?"
"Yeah, Pogo somehow got through the fence this morning, and I need to fix it." Pogo is one of our goats, and the little shit keeps escaping the pen.
Steve chuckles. "I'll pick up some PVC pipes and line the top of the fence. That should keep him in."
"Let's hope so, but I'm not holding my breath." I laugh. "Thanks, Steve."
Steve tips the brim of his hat and disappears out of the barn. I turn back to the task at hand, which is mucking Blue's stall. "You know," I say, as I prop my hand on my hip and regard Blue, who is happily standing in the corner of her stall while munching on some feed. "It's a beautiful day. You should be out in the pasture with the others instead of in here stuffing your face." My statement earns me a headshake. I swear the horse knows what I'm saying. "Suit yourself." Out of the twelve horses we have hereat Callaghan Ranch, Blue is my favorite. She's also been here the longest.
She came to us nearly fifteen years ago. My grandfather had bought her off some guy in Colorado who was going to put her down. There’d been a raid on a guy's property who had been reported for animal cruelty. Blue was one of three severely malnourished horses to have been rescued. Sadly, the other two didn't make it, and if it hadn’t been for my grandfather seeing something in Blue worth saving, she wouldn't be here today.
I'll never forget the day she arrived on the ranch. Blue was nothing but skin and bones. Her hooves had been so neglected, they had begun to curl. I'll never understand how someone who wants to own animals does not want to take care of them. I mean, why have them in the first place? Looking over at Blue, I smile. Even after all she's been through, she still turned out to be one of the most beautiful and gentle creatures. Propping the shovel against the stall, I walk over to her. As soon as I'm within reach, Blue nudges my shoulder. "I bet I know what you want, pretty girl." Reaching into my pocket, I retrieve the carrot sticks I stuck in there before coming out. I hold out the treats, and she eagerly takes them from my palm. "Sweet girl." I kiss her muzzle.
"Cat! Are you there?" I hear my grandfather calling out my name. I turn and step out of the stall. "Yes, Sir!" I call back, making my way out of the barn. When I step out, I'm surprised to see Lev's truck pulling up in front of the house. "Everything alright, Daideò? What's Lev doing here?" I don't know what would bring Lev by. He comes into the salon sometimes with Summer, but other than a few hellos here and there, we don't really know each other.
"Everything is fine," Grandpa assures me. "Lev called me this morning, and he needs some help. I told him to talk with you as well before I say yes."
I scrunch my brows. "Okay." Still confused, I continue to make my way up the hill toward the house with my grandfather at my side. Pete, my Golden Retriever, lets out a playful bark and runs up to Lev as soon as he steps out of his truck. "Pete, down."
Lev just smiles and gives Pete a rub down. "No worries," he says, giving Pete one last pat. He then offers my grandfather his hand. "Good to see you, Arthur."
"You too, son."
"How you doing, Cat?"
"I'm doing okay, Lev. What brings you by?" I jump in, not beating around the bush.
Lev levels me with a sharp gaze. "I have a bit of a situation and am in need of some help."
I study him for a beat. "Sure. Why don't you come up to the porch, and I'll get us something cold to drink? A beer, okay?"
