Midnight Thunder(INCR) (8 page)

“Cut me some slack, Harrison. If we spend the next few days discussing Lexi, she'll know it whenever we see her. She's perceptive. And we probably will see her. She wouldn't appreciate being the topic of conversation.”

“No, she wouldn't. I wasn't thinking of it from her angle. I won't tell Finn.”

“Thank you. Speaking of Finn, have you talked to him recently?”

“It's been a couple of months.”

“Same here. I wonder how his microbrewery-slash-tavern is doing.”

Damon settled back in the seat. “Last time we talked, he said it was pulling in decent traffic for a start-up, but his divorce didn't help any. Alison demanded a cash settlement, so he's mortgaged to the hilt right now.”

“I predict he'll work it out. He knows beer and he likes people. How about you? I see you've gone SoCal with the shades and a knit shirt to show off your manly chest.”

Damon laughed. “And I see you're still a shit-kicker wearing the same old beat-up hat.”

“You'll wish you had a hat when you're out there raking the corral.”

“Can't be much to rake with only a couple of horses.”

“Six. Navarre, Isabeau, my horse and three boarders.”

Damon stared at him. “Why in hell would they take in boarders? I thought they wanted the easy life.”

“Apparently the easy life is boring the hell out of them. That's all I can figure.”

“You know, that makes perfect sense. They might have complained a little, but I'll bet they loved being busy. People don't always figure that out when they decide to retire.”

Cade braked at a stoplight. “I sure hope the stress of not having enough to do didn't trigger Rosie's problem.”

“Who knows? But once she's back home again, we can casually bring up the subject and see what they say.”

“Yeah, let's do that. Speaking of being busy, you still like flipping houses?”

“I do, but in this market you can't charge a whole lot or nobody will buy. I don't have what you call liquidity, but I get by okay.”

“At least you're not paying out to an unhappy ex.”

“No kidding.” Damon sighed. “Damn shame about Finn's divorce. When they rushed into it with a Vegas wedding I wondered if it would last.”

“Yeah, I know. It seems weird that we never met her and now it's over. Mom seemed to think his wife didn't understand how much time he needed to devote to the business.”

“That can be a big problem if you hook up with somebody who expects you home every night at five. It's one of the reasons I haven't let myself get serious about anyone.”

Cade laughed. “Don't give me that bullshit. You love playing the field.”

“Okay, I do. Besides, unlike you, I never found that perfect matchup.”

Cade didn't respond. Although he thought Lexi was perfect for him, he wasn't convinced that he was perfect for her. That
when it's convenient
statement echoed in his head.

“You really do make a great couple. I envy you that. I'll probably end up dancing at your twenty-fifth anniversary party and wondering why I never found the right woman.” He glanced over at Cade. “Oh, that's right. You swore you'd never get married. Still feel that way?”

“Not necessarily.”

“I knew it! Don't forget to invite me to the wedding.”

“We're a hell of a long way from that. I'm not sure she even likes me all that much anymore.”

Damon chuckled. “Except when you're horizontal.”

“Watch yourself, bro.”

“Okay. Touchy subject. I'll back off. Listen, can we stop at a flower shop on the way to the hospital? I'm thinking roses, maybe a few daisies, some—”

“If we brought Mom a vase of flowers, she'd bean us with it. She's convinced that people only bring flowers when they think the patient's a goner.”

“Well, hell. You can't walk into a hospital room empty-handed. That's just wrong.”

“I can guarantee she doesn't want flowers.”

Damon settled back against the seat. “Then we'll have to think of something else.”

“Maybe inspiration will hit as we go through town. I need to pick up something to eat. How about you?”

“Yeah, I could use a sandwich. And we should buy some beer to take back to the house. I don't intend to drink up Dad's supply while I'm here.”

Cade glanced at him. “I know what we can get Mom.”

“Beer? I don't think she likes—”

“Not beer. Something better.”

And that was how Cade and Damon ended up walking into Rosie's room carrying a case of Baileys Irish Cream.

“My God!” Rosie's eyes widened. “It'll take years for me to drink all that booze!”

“And that,” said Damon as he leaned down to kiss her cheek, “is the whole point.”

 

7

L
EXI
STAYED
AT
the ranch until dinnertime so she could feed the horses and the cat before going to the hospital. Herb had called to ask if she'd bring the paperback romance Rosie had been reading. She'd never been much for TV.

Herb had sounded tired but joyful because his boys were home. He'd mentioned that friends had been dropping by the hospital, and he seemed gratified by that, too. Rosie knew a ton of people, and word of what she called her
incarceration
had spread.

Her test results wouldn't be available for at least another day, so the hospital staff had rolled a cot into her room for Herb. He'd shyly asked if Lexi would pack a few essentials for him in an overnight bag.

Such a devoted husband, she thought while tucking clean underwear and a fresh shirt in the small suitcase. Fortunately his toiletries were all located on one side of the double sink in the master bath and Rosie's were on the other. Lexi easily figured out which toothbrush was his. She added toothpaste, shaving cream, his razor and some men's deodorant.

At the last minute she remembered pajamas. He hadn't asked for them, but he'd be happier trying to sleep at the hospital if he had some. She opened several drawers before she found a pair with the price tags still attached. She took off the tags and packed the PJs. From all the evidence, he wasn't in the habit of wearing any.

Herb had never had daughters, or he'd probably own several pairs. She was the closest thing he had to a daughter, but still, she could imagine his reluctance to ask her for this favor. She was glad he'd summoned the courage. A crisis was always easier to deal with in clean clothes.

After hauling his little case and her own out to her truck, she went back inside for one last pass through the house. She wiped down the kitchen counters and refolded the afghan over the back of the couch. Then she fluffed the throw pillows and turned on a couple of lamps to welcome the guys when they arrived.

They'd sleep in the cabin for old times' sake, but first they'd probably sit around the kitchen table, drinking beer and catching up. They might even play some pool or get out a deck of cards. She wished she could be here. She'd love to find out what Damon and Finn were doing these days.

But she wasn't a member of the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood. And she had this explosive situation with Cade. She couldn't complain about that because she'd created it with her bright idea this morning.

Seeing him at the hospital shouldn't be a problem, but her pulse rate climbed as she drove there. She focused her thoughts on Rosie. Somehow she'd transform Cade's presence into background noise. If she didn't accomplish that, Rosie would be the first to notice. Rosie had been hoping for their reconciliation ever since the breakup.

She was the other person Lexi needed to talk with, but that would have to wait until the health crisis had passed. Rosie had expected a wedding five years ago, too. She'd dropped casual comments about having it at the ranch, maybe even on horseback.

If Cade mentioned moving back, and he might already have said something, Rosie might start hearing wedding bells again. At some point Lexi needed to tell her that marriage to Cade—or anyone, for that matter—was no longer her dream. Rosie was a progressive thinker, so she'd accept that.

The hospital parking lot was crowded, but Lexi's gaze was drawn to Cade's black truck. He'd had that truck for ten years, which meant she'd made love to him in the back of it. To avoid being reminded of those steamy episodes, she parked as far away as possible.

She had no trouble finding Rosie's room because of the small crowd gathered outside. Cade stood in one conversational group that included Herb, Damon and Finn. On the other side of the door were Lexi's mom and two women who'd worked in social services with Rosie.

Rosie's door was open, but the curtain had been pulled around her bed. Lexi decided the reason for that must be a routine procedure or the people standing outside wouldn't be talking and joking with each other. She waved at her mom before wheeling the suitcase over to Herb. The poor guy needed what she'd brought him. Normally well-groomed, he looked the worse for wear.

He gave her a hug. “You're an angel. I'm getting to the point where I can't stand myself, so I can't imagine how everybody else is putting up with me.”

“We're rough, tough cowboys,” Cade said. “We can go days without a bath or a shave.”

Lexi managed not to laugh. Cade had been desperate for a shower only hours ago.

“Speak for yourself, Gallagher.” Damon came over to hug Lexi. “How're you doing, beautiful?”

“I'm doing well.” She hugged him back. “Apparently California agrees with you. You're all tan and stuff.”

“And
stuff
?” Cade laughed. “What's that supposed to mean?”

“That you're transforming into Thor.” Finn came over for his hug. “You might think that ‘flipping houses' is about fixing them up for resale, but I think he literally tosses them around.”

“Says the guy who's turned into a vampire.” Damon gestured toward Finn. “Look at how pale this guy is and tell me I'm wrong.”

Lexi surveyed Finn. He was a little paler than he'd been while living on the ranch, but his brilliant blue eyes and dark hair had been attracting female attention ever since he'd hit puberty. “Vampires are considered sexy these days.”

Finn smiled. “I could always count on you, Lex.”

She'd forgotten that. In the early days of the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood, Finn hadn't been quite sure of himself. Cade and Damon had been impatient with his tentative nature, but she'd been his champion. She'd listened to his stories about his beloved grandfather, the man who'd taken him in and who'd longed to own his own tavern. But Grandpa O'Roarke had no business sense and a bad heart. Finn honored his memory with his Seattle microbrewery and tavern. She found that incredibly sweet.

Two nurses filed out of the room. “You can go back in,” said the taller one, “but you might want to take turns. All of you at once could be a bit overwhelming.”

“I vote for Lexi to go in by herself,” Herb said. “She's the only one who hasn't seen Rosie yet, and Rosie's been asking for her.”

“Good idea,” Cade said immediately.

Lexi appreciated both the opportunity and Cade's support. He knew more than anyone that Rosie was like a second mother to her. He'd heard the panic in her voice when she'd called him after Herb had taken Rosie to the hospital. Ever since then, Lexi had worked hard to maintain a positive attitude, but worry had taken its toll. Seeing Rosie alone would go a long way to calming her fears.

When she walked in, Rosie's face lit up. “Lexi! Oh, thank God.”

“What's the matter?” Alarmed, she hurried over to Rosie's bedside and pulled up a chair.

Rosie lowered her voice. “I don't know where to start. Pull that chair closer.”

“Are you feeling worse?” Lexi scooted right up next to the bed. “Should I call someone?”

“Absolutely not. Herb knew I wanted to talk to you alone, so he asked you to bring that book.”

“I have it right here.” She pulled it out of her purse.

“That's fine. Thanks.” She took it and laid it aside. “I'll read it tonight after everybody leaves, but I wanted to make sure you came.”

“Of course I would! I've been dying to see you!” Then she heard what she'd said. “I mean
eager
to see you.”

Rosie waved a dismissive hand. “You don't have to watch what you say. I'm not dying, but Herb and I are in a financial mess. And now the boys are here, and I'm afraid they'll go off the deep end. I'm counting on you to keep them from doing anything stupid.”

“Wait, does this have anything to do with those horses you're boarding?” Lexi's stomach churned. It seemed a bad situation was about to get worse.

“That was a stopgap measure, back when we thought every little bit would help. Ten months ago one of our dear friends, Hector Williams, was in a terrible financial bind, but it was supposed to be temporary.”

“I know Hector. I taught his daughter how to ride. Nice guy.”

“He's a very nice guy.” Rosie took a deep breath. “He only needed a boost for a short time. Three months. We didn't want to pull money from our retirement account, so we took out a second mortgage on the ranch with a balloon payment due this September. It should have been fine.”

“Let me guess. He can't repay you, after all.”

“No, he can't. He was laid off and can't find work. But we weren't too worried. We had the retirement money we could use if necessary.”

Lexi felt the chill of impending doom.

“We tried to withdraw funds from our account and kept getting the runaround. Then last week we finally got an answer regarding our investment. It was a Ponzi scheme, Lexi. The money's gone.”

“No.”

“We couldn't believe it, either. The government's prosecuting and eventually we may get some of it back, but there's no telling if or when.”

“But how could that happen? You two have always been so careful!” She realized she was talking too loudly and toned it down. “I can't believe you put all your savings in a Ponzi scheme. That's not you.”

“We trusted our financial planner, who is also a really great person, but he was fooled. He feels terrible, but there's not much he can do. He has several clients in the same boat. We're wiped out. And if we can't come up with the balloon payment in September, we'll lose the ranch.”

Lexi was unable to speak as images of the beloved place with its treasured memories flashed through her mind.

“You're in shock, and that's not surprising. So were we.”

Lexi wondered if this had caused Rosie's episode, whatever it turned out to me. But she saw no reason to point that out. Rosie had probably thought of it herself. Instead she focused on being positive. “There's a solution to this. We just have to find it.”

“Maybe there is a solution, although I don't know what it is. I'm telling you because eventually the boys will find out, and I'm afraid they'll go overboard in their attempt to save the ranch. I picture Finn selling his business and Damon liquidating all his current projects whether they're finished or not. Cade doesn't have a lot to sell, so I'm not sure what he'd do. Become a gigolo, maybe.”

That surprised a giggle out of Lexi.

Rosie smiled. “He'd be great at it.”

“No doubt. And for you and Herb, he might consider it.”

“He might at that, but we can't let any of that happen. Damon and Finn need to continue on the path they've chosen, and I keep hoping you and Cade... Well, that's a discussion for another time. Maybe we should sell the ranch and cut our losses.”

“Is that what you want?” Lexi held her breath. She couldn't blame them if they made that decision. Thunder Mountain Ranch was a big responsibility even with money available to run it. Struggling to hold things together in the face of financial disaster wasn't something a couple in their sixties needed.

“I'm not sure.” Rosie smoothed the covers. “Neither is Herb. But we can't have those boys sacrificing a promising future to prop us up. If I hadn't landed in the hospital, they never would have found out about any of it, but I had this little incident. The truth is going to come out.”

“And it should. Right now Cade thinks you just want to stay busy, but if you're really in danger of losing the ranch...they deserve to know.”

“You're right.” Rosie's features softened. “How are things going between you two? I can't tell from Cade's behavior.”

For the first time since she'd pulled up a chair next to Rosie's bed, Lexi glanced away.

“Complicated, huh?”

“Yes.” She met Rosie's warm gaze. “But not so complicated that I can't help you with this. Much as I love Thunder Mountain Ranch, I agree that they shouldn't sacrifice everything for it. And that might be their first impulse.”

“I know, and you could talk them out of it. They all respect you.”

“Rosie, they respect
you
. If you tell them not to be foolish, then—”

“They'll ignore me and do it anyway, for my sake. Did you see the case of Baileys in the corner?”

Lexi hadn't noticed, but when she glanced over, sure enough, there it sat. “They bought you a case of Baileys?”

“Cade and Damon arrived with it this afternoon in lieu of flowers. I shouldn't have ranted about not wanting flowers, because a bouquet would have been a heck of a lot cheaper than all that booze. Anyway, you see how they are.”

“Yeah.” Lexi smiled as she pictured Cade and Damon coming up with that idea and then proudly bringing the box into the hospital room.

“I figure you might have a better shot at convincing them that throwing away all they've worked for would not make me happy and grateful. It would make me mad as a hornet.”

Lexi nodded. “I can see how it would.”

“You understand because you're a woman and you think like a woman. Those three, bless their hearts, think like men, and men are prone to fall on their swords for the glory of the cause. Even Herb has a touch of that. If he could come up with a grand gesture at great personal cost, he'd do it without another thought.”

Lexi smiled. “You're right. He would.”

“Don't get me wrong. I love those guys with all my heart, but I don't trust their judgment when it comes to something like the ranch. It sheltered the Brotherhood from the storm. I know it did, and they have a right to be sentimental about it, but not if it means giving up everything they've worked for.”

“Exactly.” Lexi studied Rosie. “So how are you feeling? Because you look pretty perky to me.”

“To be honest, seeing those three boys has done me a world of good. Also, I wasn't eating right. And worrying interferes with your digestion, too. I've been feeling stronger every minute. I'm viewing this as a warning not to let this situation take me—or anyone I love—down.”