“Either way, winter’s way too cold for what I have in mind.” It involved me, Elaine, an Indian blanket, and nothing else—except possibly a bottle of wine.
“Hopefully we can get some answers and head on back. Your uncle didn’t give us much to go on.”
We weren’t just running after him like a couple old ladies. Stuart wasn’t returning any of our calls, emails, or texts. I was willing to bet he’d flushed his phone down the toilet, knowing his aversion to communication.
When I’d called Uncle Bill, he said he gave him a wide berth to work out his issues, but he’d gotten worried when Stuart took off for the little cabin out on the plain and hadn’t come back.
“Bill’s too old to be running around playing nursemaid. Stuart knows better than to do him like that.”
Derek’s lips tightened, and I could tell he was equally worried. “Unless he didn’t have a choice.”
We took our bags, thanked the small crew, and walked through the terminal to the parking lot. I knew he was concerned about my brother. I also knew his thoughts were on Melissa.
“You don’t have to stay. Once we know what’s happening, you can go back to Wilmington.”
His eyes cut to me. “More like you can.”
It was true. Captain Asshat would rather die than come across as weaker than me. “How about we just play it by ear.”
Bill had left a truck for us in the PJ lot. It had enormous, ridged tires and was perma-frost ready. Winter hadn’t set in yet, but I knew how bad it could get in another month. My hope was we wouldn’t have to stay that long.
Many miles down a lonely road heading way out of town, and we were at the ranch. The sun was low as we stepped onto the wood porch, but I couldn’t stand and admire it. Derek wanted answers, and he wanted them now.
The house was designed in a long U shape, with the kitchen and living areas in the middle and two long wings. The east and west sides were identical, each with two bedrooms that shared a bath and two suite rooms. Across the yard from the house was a large barn with ten stables and a paddock off to the side.
Bill was in the kitchen when we made our way inside. He caught me in a big hug.
“You’re filling out, boy!” He squeezed my shoulder. “You’ve got some muscle in there. Leftover from your military days?”
I laughed, thinking about all the ways I’d avoided exercise in the Guard. “Nah, this guy got me started working out.”
Derek’s irritation eased enough that he cracked a grin at our greeting. “Derek Alexander,” he said, stepping forward to shake my uncle’s hand.
“Good to meet you, Derek. Bill Knight.” My uncle nodded and shook back. “Stuart mentioned you a few times. You served together in the Marines?”
“I was his commanding officer.” He looked out the window at the darkening sky. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to try and see him tonight.”
Uncle Bill took a deep breath, which put me on alert. On the phone he’d said Stuart had taken off, but now I could see there was more to the story than he’d told us.
“I don’t know if I can let you do that, son.” His hands went into his pockets. “I kind of gave my word to let him have his space.”
“What’s going on, Bill?”
My uncle’s lips puckered, but Derek broke the silence. “I appreciate we’re putting you in an awkward position, but I’ve left my job and my family to come here. I’d like to see for myself he’s at least alive.”
Bill nodded. “I think you might be the only one he’ll see right now.”
“I’m not losing sleep over it. I’ll show Derek the way and head on back here.”
That struck a deal, and I led my partner out to the barn where eight horses were housed in separate stables. Bill showed us the tack room, and we went inside to grab bridles and blankets. We’d be back for saddles.
“Take Dakota and Cheyenne,” he said, pointing to a pair of Saddlebreds looking curiously over their stalls. “They’re the easiest to handle. How long has it been since you’ve ridden a horse?”
Rubbing my chin, I thought about the question. “When was the last time I was here?”
My uncle shook his head and preceded me into the small area. “Hand me that bridle, and I’ll get her ready.”
“I remember how to do that much.” Still I stood back and let him slide the leather straps over Dakota’s ears and ease the silver bit between her teeth.