Whirlwind (The Champions 1)

For now, keeping watch was the only thing they could do. The two boys, mounted and armed with pistols, flashlights, and two-way radios, were already patrolling the fence lines. Ruben, along with Aaron, who’d volunteered his help, would relieve them at midnight and stay out until dawn. It wasn’t a permanent solution—for that they would need to find out who was behind the harassment and put a stop to it.

The two border collies, Ranger and Rover, had come up onto the porch. They would stay close to the house at night and bark if any unwelcome person or animal came near.

Lexie scratched Ranger’s ears as she watched the full moon rise over the reservation to the east. The air was sultry with the day’s lingering heat. Insects fluttered in the darkness. Bats swooped and darted, hunting them on the wing. From somewhere in the distance, a coyote howled. Remembering what had happened last night, Lexie shuddered.

Earlier tonight, after supper, she’d made a call to Rianne. The news hadn’t been good.

“Cory’s lower back was crushed.” Her friend had sounded drained of hope. “He was in surgery all morning. They fused his spine with bolts and screws, but they couldn’t save the nerve. He won’t be able to use his legs—ever. He’s . . . paralyzed.” Her voice had quivered and broken. “I don’t know what to do, Lexie. I have to take care of my baby. How can I take care of him, too? I love Cory, but I didn’t sign on for this!”

“I know you love him, Rianne. And you’re stronger than you think.” Lexie knew she was mouthing platitudes. The truth was, she couldn’t imagine the strength it would take to face what Rianne was facing. “Is there anything I can do?” she asked, knowing there was nothing.

“Thanks for offering. But I’m going to my mom’s tomorrow to take care of the baby. Even after he gets out of the hospital, Cory will be in that special rehab clinic for weeks, maybe for months. I’ve got a lot to figure out before he comes home.”

“You can make this work, Rianne. I know you can.” Lexie had doubted the veracity of her own words, but she was doing her best to stay upbeat. “I’ll call you. Okay?”

“Sure. Thanks.” The call had ended.

Still stroking the dog, Lexie gazed across the yard to the pasture, where the massive forms of the bulls milled and shifted in the moonlight. They seemed restless, snorting, pawing the earth, and tossing their heads. Did they sense danger, or were they just picking up tension from the humans who cared for them?

“I’m thinking we should post a help wanted ad online,” Tess said. “With you and Whirlwind going on the PBR circuit, we’re going to need at least two new men—one to drive with Ruben and one to drive with you.”

“It might not be easy to find the right people in such a short time.” Lexie was accustomed to going with Ruben. But since the ranch would be supplying bulls for local rodeos all season, Ruben would have to take them. Lexie would need somebody else to drive and help manage Whirlwind. She couldn’t do it alone. But she didn’t relish the idea of traveling with a stranger.

“Can’t I just take Chet or Ryder?” she asked. “I know they’d love to go to the PBR with me.”

“They’re too inexperienced. You need somebody who can drive the truck with the trailer and handle any emergency that might come up—like engine trouble or a flat tire, or any problem with the bull. And the boys will be back in school come September. We’ll need people who can stay the season.” Tess paused, then brightened. “Hey—maybe Aaron would like the job.”

“Aaron?” Lexie gave her sister a startled glance. She’d never given Aaron much thought. He was just the neighbor who came around to help and usually stayed for meals. He was capable, and at least he was known and trusted. But did she really want to spend days on the road with him? “Aaron’s pretty busy,” she said, still hedging. “Do you think he’d do it?”

“Why not? It would be mostly weekends. The boys and I could take care of his place while he’s gone. He only has a few animals, and for now, the hay just needs to be watered.” Tess turned to her stepmother. “What do you think, Callie? Should we ask him?”

With no men around, Callie had unbuttoned her blouse halfway to cool herself. She ran a hand through her silvery curls, hesitating a moment before she answered. “I’m sure Aaron could use the cash. He mentioned to me the other day that money was tight. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to ask him.”

“Then I’ll talk to him first thing tomorrow,” Tess said. “And maybe Ruben knows somebody who could help drive the big trailer. That would solve both problems. I just hope we’ll have the money to keep paying them.”

Lexie already knew her sister was worried about money. Bert’s illness and other expenses had drained their finances, but it was too early to sell off the thirty head of beef cattle they were raising. Until

then, they would have to depend on rodeo earnings.

In the PBR, Whirlwind would bring in $2,400 every time he left the chute. But the expenses—payments on the second truck and trailer, gas, food, lodging, entry fees, and PBR dues would have to come out of that amount. Given that he’d only be bucked once at any event, for a total of maybe twenty times in a season, his earnings would barely be enough to make a difference for the ranch. The only hope for serious cash would be if the bull racked up enough points to put him in the running for prize money.

Lexie had told the others about Brock Tolman’s offer to buy Whirlwind. But she hadn’t expected anyone to take it seriously—until now.

“Did your cowboy friend mention how much Brock Tolman would be willing to pay for our bull?” Tess asked.

“What?” Lexie’s heart plummeted. “No! I didn’t let him get that far! How can you even talk about selling Whirlwind, Tess—especially to Brock Tolman?”

“I certainly wouldn’t want to sell him,” Tess said. “But if it turns out to be the only way to save the ranch, we can’t rule it out. This ranch is a business, Lexie. And Whirlwind is an asset, not a pet.”

Lexie shot to her feet. “I can’t believe you’d say that—or even think it! Whirlwind is going to be the greatest thing that ever happened to this ranch! And we’re not selling him—not for anything!”

Fighting tears, she wheeled and stalked into the house, letting the screen door slam shut behind her.

* * *

Left on the porch with the dogs, Tess and Callie looked at each other and shook their heads. “Do you think I should go after her?” Tess asked.

“No. Leave her be.” Callie began buttoning her blouse. “She’s worn-out. She’ll be fine in the morning.”