SWAT Ed: Fox & Bull (Nothing Special 8)

She was sixty-six years old and had more pep in her step than anyone on his ranch. She was a firecracker and somehow managed to run their home just as well as his mother had when she’d been alive. Without Amelia, he and his dad would’ve been sad, hungry men. “Please be nice to him, Bull. With that attitude, you’ll make Fox feel about as welcome as an egg-sucking dog.”

“He’s staying here,” Bull bit out.

“He insisted,” his father said.

I bet.

“And it makes sense, Bull. How can he investigate what’s been going on if he’s an hour away? The room Free set up already has the surveillance monitors in there, and the room faces the front of the house.” Amelia was talking her heart out as she hurried from the laundry room with fresh towels. “I feel safer already, Bull. Please let Fox stay until they catch these idiots. That was scary this morning.”

Bull’s chest deflated. He couldn’t believe he was making this situation about his personal life. “I’m sorry you were scared, Amelia. Of course Fox can stay in the house. As long as it takes.”

The reassuring smile that lit up Amelia’s face was little consolation to how conflicted Bull was really feeling.

That he was soon going to regret those words.

This is gonna be amazing. Fox stared out of the window of his temporary bedroom, marveling at the wildlife that woke along with the ranch. He’d never lived in a place with a scenic view of fields of grazing animals and winter foliage for as far as he could see. It was so damn beautiful there that it almost felt as if he’d been teleported into another world.

He opened his duffle on the bed and placed the few items he kept in his emergency bag in the single dresser against the wall. It didn’t take him long to freshen up as Amelia suggested and make his way back downstairs.

Fox smiled as he walked into the kitchen, his stomach already taking notice of the smell of bacon and freshly baked bread. “Something smells delicious, Ms. Amelia.” Fox leaned in and kissed her soft cheek. “Besides you.”

She blushed and fussed with her apron as she said, “It’s good to see you again, Fox. I hope you’re hungry.”

He patted his flat stomach. “Always.”

“Wonderful. You’re just in time to eat with the guys. I’m almost finished here.”

“Are you feeding an army?” He chuckled as he watched her pile mounds of fluffy yellow eggs onto a platter.

“No. Just Walker and Bull. He eats like one, y’know.” She beamed at him, her eyes twinkling.

Fox walked through the warm, spacious kitchen and sat next to Walker. The older man was sipping from a chipped mug—that must’ve been his favorite, otherwise it probably would’ve been trashed by now—and reading today’s newspaper. People still do that? Fox felt as if he’d walked onto a modernized set of The Waltons, with country-style décor and high-vaulted, wood beam ceilings.

Amelia promptly slid a cup of black coffee in front of him with a smile, then returned to what she’d been doing. After standing outside in the cold for a while, he welcomed the strong, hot liquid going down his throat. Fox tracked Bull’s housekeeper as she went back and forth from the kitchen to the dining area that was on the opposite side of the bar. The oblong table had a tall armless chair at each end and three chairs lining the side. If it was only the three of them who ate in there, he wondered why such a big table.

“Walker. Can I bother you to show me where the brick came through the window? I’d like to take a quick look while Amelia is still setting up.”

“I hope you get these punks.” Walker frowned, slowly climbing off his stool. “I had my fair share of problems in Wilson County, Texas, but never any cowardly mess like this.”

“Finish your paper, Pop. It’s getting too cold in the front room. I’ll show him.” The sudden appearance of Bull’s large presence, and deep voice sent a jolt of excitement through Fox’s stomach. “Mike is on his way around with the maintenance crew to tack up the plywood.”

“Did you guys touch anything else besides the brick?” Fox asked.

Bull shook his head.

Fox checked his watch. “How long ago did you call the sheriff?”

“Hours.” Amelia sighed. “But they said vandalism wasn’t an emergency and to sit tight until they could send someone over to investigate. Also, not to mess with anything.”

So, just sit here with glass all over the floor and cold air blowing inside your home. Fox nodded for Bull to lead the way.

Bull rounded a corner into a great room that appeared to be used as the family room. It was cozy, inviting, and full of natural light from the multiple windows. The walls were made of thick polished logs and decorated with framed landscapes and family photos. Hefty potted ficuses nestled against the three large oak-like pillars that towered to the ceiling. Fox wondered how much of the comfortable home was Bull’s personal touch and how much was Ms. Amelia’s.