Three Words (Whiskey River Road Book 3) Read online

  She places her elbow in the crook of Noah’s arm, and he walks her to the porch steps. “This is Jane, your sister.”

  She cuts her gaze to him.

  I move down the steps. “It’s okay, he’s right. You’re our sister,” I say, then hug her. “Welcome home.”

  One by one, everyone greets her, trying to make her feel welcome. As the night goes on, she seems a little less nervous.

  “Is it alright if I call you Auntie Jane?” Missy snuggles up next to her.

  “I’d love that,” she says.

  “Be careful, she’ll talk your ear off.” Bear ruffles Missy’s hair.

  “Can I get you anything?” Ellie asks.

  “No. I’m good,” Jane responds.

  “We fixed you a room upstairs. If you need anything at all, let us know.

  “We thought you’d be more comfortable at the main house since you’ve already gotten to know Daddy,” I add.

  “Noah, I brought your clothes over here. I thought you’d like to stay with your sister,” Ethan states.

  “I appreciate it.”

  Wyatt has sat in the corner, not saying much all night. “I’m moving back to my place now that everyone is back.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” Daddy says.

  “I do. It’s time.”

  “I’ll help you get your things together.” Boone moves behind Wyatt, who’s slowly making his way upstairs by gripping the railing with one hand and leaning on the wall with the other. It looks painful.

  “I hope I didn’t run him off,” Jane says, glancing around.

  “He’s always had a bug up his butt. It’s just crawled further in since he got shot.” Bear chuckles.

  “Noah told me what happened.” She glances at Ellie.

  “We’re lucky to be here. All that’s behind us now.”

  Some look crosses between Boone and Daddy. “Yes, it is. Now that you’re home, we can get to know one another.” I try to focus on her.

  “Home,” she repeats softly.

  “Yes. This is your home too.” Daddy ambles toward her. “But, this old man has had enough for one day. I’m going to bed.” He leans down, kissing the top of her head. She smiles up at him. They appear as if they’ve started a good relationship. “Before I do, I’d like to speak to Boone in private.”

  I don’t like the sound of that. I grab onto Boone’s hand. “It’s okay, I’ll meet you back at the house,” he says.

  “Don’t be too long.”

  “Ian and I will walk you home,” Ellie says.

  “Um, I’ll stick around here for a few minutes,” he tells Ellie.

  “Suit yourself,” she says.

  “I’m going to take Missy home before she falls asleep.” Nita points to Missy, who’s in mid-yawn.

  “I’ll be along in a minute,” Bear tells her.

  We take Nita and Missy home first. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” Missy says, half asleep already.

  “You don’t have to walk me home.” I turn toward Ellie.

  “Don’t be silly. I want to. Besides, I need you to help me plan my wedding.”

  “You two picked a date?”

  “Fourth of July.”

  “Fireworks, just like the two of you.” I drape my arm around hers. “I’m so excited for you.”

  “I never thought I’d be so happy.”

  “It looks good on both of you.”

  “Ian looks good on me.” She giggles, bumping me with her hip.

  “You’re as naughty as me.”

  “What do you think Daddy wanted to talk to Boone about?” she asks.

  “Lord knows. Probably something about the ranch.”

  “I hope whatever it is, it doesn’t mean trouble for Boone.”

  “Watkins is long gone. I know he threatened you, but he’d be foolish to come back to town.”

  “Men like him don’t give up so easily. He’s a very proud man, and we took him down.”

  “I hope you’re wrong. Things are just settled down around here again.”

  “Enough stressful talk. I need my maid of honor to help me pick out a wedding dress.”

  I open the front door. “I’ll fix us a glass of wine.”

  “What do you think about asking Jane to stand up with me too? Do you think it’s too soon?” I sit on the couch.

  “I think it’s a great idea. She can help us plan. We’ll have a girls’ day out.”

  “Nita too,” she adds.

  “I can’t wait to throw you a bridal shower.” I hand her a glass and sit next to her.

  “When do you think I’ll ever be able to throw you a baby shower?” She stares at me.

  “I don’t know. It’s not in the cards for me and Boone. Besides, I’m happy with the way things are.”

  She pushes back a lock of my hair. “I remember growing up, you wanted a house full of kids.”

  “I recall,” I say, sipping my wine.

  “Boone told me the doctor says it’s still possible.”

  “Since when have you and Boone been so chummy?”

  “He took care of me after Ian left. We’ve shared a lot of stories together.”

  “Huh, how come I never knew that?”

  She raises a shoulder. “You never asked.”

  “When and if it’s meant to be, I’ll have a baby.”

  “You and Boone would make great parents.”

  “How about you and Ian?”

  She snorts. “Can you see me as a mother?”

  “Actually, I can.”

  “All I want to think about being right now is Mrs. Ellie Daughtry.” A sparkle fills her eyes.

  “Gawd, I never thought I’d see the day you’d get all gooey over a man.” We both fill the room with our laughter.

  Chapter Twenty One

  Boone

  “One of our ranch hands saw Watkins in a hotel at the end of town.” Chet pours two glasses of whiskey.

  “When was this?” I say as I sit on the small couch in his office.

  “Early this morning when he was in town buying feed for the chickens.” He hands me the drink. “I don’t want to alarm anyone else.”

  “Don’t you think your family has a right to know so they can keep their eyes open for him.” I take a sip.

  “That’s what I have you for.” He tosses his hat on his desk, then takes a gulp of whiskey.

  “Did you contact the police?”

  “No. They’d only hold him for questioning. It’s his word against ours.”

  “That’s not true. His DNA was all over Wyatt’s office.”

  “Then let me make myself clearer. I want you to handle Watkins.” His glass slaps hard against the wood grain of his desk.

  “I promised Clem I wouldn’t kill him.”

  “My daughter doesn’t have a good understanding about the way things are run on the ranch.”

  “Maybe we should change the way we’ve been doing business.”

  He stands, walking over to the dark blinds, looking out between them. “I remember a young man who was willing to do whatever I asked of him because he was grateful for the life I gave him.”

  “And I’ve done everything you’ve asked of me.” My teeth grind together.

  He turns, leaning his frame against the windowsill. “You marrying my daughter should have no effect on your duties.”

  “I think it’s time we let the law handle it.” I glare at him.

  “The law won’t stop him. He almost killed my children. You think putting him behind bars is what he deserves? Did you see Ellie’s face when he was done beating her?” He slaps his hand on the wall.

  “I didn’t say he didn’t deserve to die. I just said, I’m not going to be the one doing it.” I get up.

  “You’ll do it, or I’ll have no more use for you on this ranch.”

  My anger boils over, and I storm toward him. “Is that all I’ve ever been good for around here? Cleaning up messes? I’ve worked my ass off to gain your respect, and this is what it comes down too?” S
pit flies from my mouth.

  His jaw works back and forth before he raises his hand, wiping off his face. “You know you’ve been much more than that to me. I’ve treated you like a son.”

  “No, actually, you’ve treated me better. You’ve been hard as hell on Bear, and you somehow twisted Wyatt’s arm to stay and help you with all the legal aspects of the ranch. You dang near beat him up when he told you he didn’t want to be a rancher.”

  “He has me to thank for his education.” He stands tall as if he’s a proud rooster.

  “You’ve kept him here.”

  “And look at him. Mayor of Salt Lick.”

  “Did you ever once think about what he wanted to do with his life?”

  “He’s a Calhoun. He’ll do what needs to be done.” He moves from around me, pouring another whiskey.

  “You’re going to kill the one kidney you have left drinking that shit. I’m sure mixing liquor and your medications isn’t a good idea.” I follow him.

  “You let me worry about what’s good for me.”

  “Damn it, Chet! If Amelia was still here, what do you think she’d be saying to you?”

  He turns on his heels to get in my face. “She ain’t here!” His eyes fill with anguish. “I wish every day it was me instead of her. Our kids adored her, and they’re left with me. They don’t even like me most days.”

  I blow out a long breath. “They love you, but you don’t make it easy on any of them.”

  He gulps down his drink. “I need to protect my family the only way I know how.”

  I walk toward the door. “Then you need to do it or let the cops handle it. If you want me to leave, I will.” I stand with my grip on the doorknob, waiting for his response.

  He moves over to me. “You’re right. I can’t ask you to kill him. I’m sorry I’m such a bastard. You’ve been a good man, and you love my daughter.” He holds out his hand, and I take it. “Thank you. I’ll keep a close watch and stay in touch with the authorities.”

  As I turn the knob, I hear shoes moving quickly across the floor from behind the door.

  Bear, Ian, Ethan, and Noah are casually sitting around the table. All eyes are on me as I walk out of the office.

  “What’d he say?” Bear asks.

  “Did he not speak loud enough for you to hear him?” I chuckle.

  “I agree. we should go after Watkins.” Ian rises.

  “That’s not how we’re going to handle it this time. Wyatt needs us to go about it the right way. The law is on our side.”

  “Shit!” Bear says.

  “Go home. Take care of Nita and Missy,” I tell him. “And you, Ellie doesn’t need to be burying a fiance.”

  “He has a point.” Ethan claps him on the shoulder. “We should all stick together to make sure he doesn’t get near our property.”

  “If he does, I’ll have no problem putting a bullet in his head.” Ian stomps out of the house.

  “Neither will I.” Bear disappears.

  Truth be known, neither would I. “Why don’t you two go get some rest. Work starts early around here.” I skate out the back door, walking into the darkness of the night. I’m happy about my decision to stand up to Chet and to keep my promise to my wife.

  As I’m making my way through the back part of the property to my house, I hear a noise behind me. Before I can turn around, a rope is tossed over my neck and pulled tight. I manage to get a couple of fingers in between it and my throat before I’m jerked to the ground. I hit hard, falling on my back.

  “I knew you’d have to be the first one I’d kill. Word has it, you’re Chet’s henchman.” Watkins is looking down on me with the rope held tightly in his fist.

  I struggle to breathe and get to my knees. I take a swing at him, but he darts out of the way, pulling me back down to the ground. “I’ll come back for that sweet little wife of yours, and save Ellie for last.”

  Adrenaline surges in my veins. Gasping for bits of air, I stand, lunging toward him, knocking him against a tree. The rope slips from his hand, and I loosen the binds from around my neck. He pulls a gun from behind his back. I manage to hit it out of the way before he can pull the trigger. With one hand, I pin him to the tree with my fingers wrapped around his throat. With the other, I free the gun from his grasp.

  Letting go of him, I take a step back, aiming the gun at him.

  He begs for his life. “Please. Please don’t kill me.”

  “You plead for something you were willing to take from me only seconds ago.” My voice is raspy. I want to pull the trigger. I can envision myself killing him, but Clem’s face pops into my head. I made a promise to her that I wouldn’t kill him. I drop the gun to my side, leaning over to catch my breath. In that split instant, Watkins pulls a knife from his boot. I don’t have time to move before someone comes from behind me, charging toward Watkins. He pounces on him, taking both of them to the ground.

  Watkins lets out a guttural scream with blood rushing out of his body and into the dirt. His eyes grow wide, and he gasps between gurgles of blood spitting out of his mouth before he takes his last breath.

  I stand above him. “Give me the knife,” I say to the man holding it.

  His hand shakes as he puts it in mine.

  “Go back to the barn, get a couple of shovels. Don’t let anyone see you. After we’ve buried him, go home, shower, and burn your clothes. You’re not to mention a word to anyone. Meet me down by the river on the east side. Do you understand?”

  He doesn’t move or answer.

  I shove his shoulder. “Do you understand me?”

  He nods.

  After he runs off, I drag Watkins’s body to a spot by the river. There’s an area that’s thick with trees. Staring down at his lifeless body, I scream. “Son of a bitch! Why the fuck couldn’t you just stay gone! I’m not going to let you ruin this family!” I kick at the ground.

  Waiting seems to take forever before he finds me. “Sorry. I didn’t know what else to do when I saw him coming toward you with the knife.”

  “You probably saved my life,” I say.

  “He tried to hang you?” He points to my neck.

  “That was his plan.” I rub the soreness of my skin.

  “Then, I’m not sorry.” He hands me one of the shovels.

  We dig into the ground in the silence of the night. When we’re done, he helps me lift Watkins’s body, placing it in the hole.

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “What?” I respond.

  “Why aren’t we calling the police? It was self-defense.”

  “I’m not risking it. The police don’t know he came back to town. They’ll never know he’s gone.”

  We start filling the hole. “If anything is ever said, you keep your mouth shut and let me take the fall.”

  “Why would I do that?”

  “You don’t need the trouble.”

  “Neither do you.”

  “Let me worry about that. You need to go on about your business and act like nothing happened.”

  “But something did happen. I killed a man.”

  “You killed a man that planned on taking us all out. There is no crime in that as far as I’m concerned.”

  “You’ve done this before.”

  I take my hat off, wiping my brow. “I’m not proud of some of the things I’ve done, but I’ve managed to keep this family and ranch safe. That’s all that matters.”

  “And if Clem finds out?”

  “Let’s hope she never does.”

  “Why are you so loyal to him?”

  “Chet?” I ask

  “Yeah.”

  “I owe him. I know none of you see it, but he’s got a good heart. I love this family. I didn’t have one that gave two shits about me. When he took me in, I made an oath that I’d be loyal to him until the day I died. That hasn’t changed.”

  “I heard you ask, what about the life Wyatt wanted when you were in his office. What about the life you wanted?”

  “Hell, if it
weren’t for Chet and Amelia Calhoun, I’d have been six foot under a long time ago. Either that or behind bars. Never in a million years when he brought my scrawny ass to this ranch did I think my life would be so good. I found the love of my life here. I’m not just talking about Clem. Ranching saved me as much as he did. I love the hard work. Chet gave me a chance to survive. He taught me everything he knows about working the cattle, managing the men, and the horses.”

  “He taught you how to train them too?”

  “No. When he saw that I was a natural with the horses, he hired a man to teach me how to train them. He encouraged me like a father would a son.”

  “I can see why you’re indebted to him.”

  “I owe him for the man I am today.”

  “In my life, I’ve learned that owing someone can lead to trouble.”

  “There have never been truer words.” I chuckle. “Trouble seems to find this family. That’s what happens when people want what you have. Someone is always trying to take it away from you. Whether it be land, money, prestige, or a woman. You have to protect what’s yours.” I toss the last bit of dirt over Watkins. “Remember what I told you. Go home, and don’t say a word.”

  He takes the shovels, and I follow him until I make it to the cutoff to my cabin. A single light is on in the living room. The rest of the house is pitch-dark. I pull off my boots by the door and hang my hat up. Unscrewing a bottle of whiskey, I press it to my mouth and take several hard swallows. Then I softly pat to the bathroom, not wanting to wake up Clem. I quietly close the door, flipping on the light. I’m covered in dirt, with a bloodstain on the hem of my shirt. I rip it off, hiding it in a cabinet until I can dispose of it. Looking in the mirror, the skin around my neck is raised and red. I squeeze my eyes tightly, thinking I could’ve taken my last breath today.

  Turning on the shower, I wash off the grime and lightly scrub around my neck. “I kept my promise,” I whisper. Tears flood my eyes, thinking of Clem. If he would’ve killed me tonight, he’d have gone after her. I rest my head on the tile wall, letting the water run down my back. “I wouldn’t have kept my promise if he didn’t show up.” I have a sudden urge to lie next to my wife.