Obsession Down Under (11 page)

Nothing could be further from the truth. The urge to weep was strong, but she blocked it. Whip was confused and so was she, but she was bound and gagged, metaphorically speaking. There was nothing more she could do or say. The risk was too great. If Brenda did as she’d threatened, at the very least her dad would be mortified, but her mom could relapse.

“Thank God your mum’s all right, but please reconsider,” Whip begged.

“Uh-uh, my mind’s made up. Please don’t try and change it,” she pleaded as she gathered her toiletries and tossed them haphazardly into her suitcase along with her clothes. “This is Brenda’s home, and let’s face it, I’m only here on a whim. She’s your sister, and blood is thicker than water.” She zipped her bag. “It’s not that I’m ungrateful, please don’t ever think that. I’ve had the best, most amazing time ever, but I’d be leaving next week anyway, so there’s no point upsetting Brenda further. You know how temperamental teenagers can be.”

“I’ll speak to her, this is too important.”

Whip turned to leave the room, but she placed a restraining hand on his arm. “It won’t do any good.”

“Then I’ll stay with you.”

An inner warmth spread through her. “Cowboy, this is her first night home from school. In light of what’s happened it’s best if I go, and you spend the night here with your family. We can meet and talk about it at lunch tomorrow if you like.” A pang of guilt strangled her throat. She intended to be long gone by then, but her other options were zilch. Brenda had seen to that.

It also saddened her that she wouldn’t be at the party tomorrow night. Annie, Gladys, Cookie, and she had put in a mammoth effort cleaning the silverware and baking for days in preparation. Mark and Drew had also done their bit yesterday, butchering a calf and decorating the barn. She’d been so looking forward to the night; it would have been the first time anything like that had been done in her honor, and it was only human to feel disappointed.

With a last nostalgic glance around the room, she headed for the door. Whip picked up her suitcase. When she went to hoist her cabin luggage over her shoulder he took that too. With determined steps but a sad heart, she marched out of the room and down the stairs, shoulders sagging, Whip following quietly behind.

When they reached the foyer, Brenda was conspicuous in her absence. The family was nowhere to be seen, and for that she was grateful. She made a mental promise to call Annie once she reached Sydney, to thank her for the kindness and friendship she’d shown her. The explanation and lengthy good-byes she’d leave to Whip.

Chapter 14

Drew, Mark, and Brenda were seated at the dining table in somber silence when Whip arrived back from driving Jessie Rose to the motel. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t change her mind about leaving. When that became apparent, he’d swapped tactics and insisted on staying over. As persuasive as he’d been, she wouldn’t have a bar of that either, reiterating the importance of his being with Brenda on her first night home for the holidays.

Yeah, all things being normal, he’d agree with that, but things were far from normal.

At sight of him, Brenda sprang out of her chair.

“I’ll get your dinner. Gladys put it in the oven to keep warm,” she said, charging off into the kitchen.

“All alone then?” Drew asked, shoveling the last morsel of beef into his mouth.

“I’d have thought that would’ve been obvious, even to you,” he snarled, in no mood for games.

“Hey, no need to bite his head off, bro.” Mark’s defense of Drew was typical and should have been expected. “He was only trying to be sympathetic, we all are. We know how much you liked her.”

“
Like.
Present tense,” he corrected as he took his place at the head of the table.

“After what she said to Brenda? Drew and I still can’t believe that.” Mark shook his head from side-to-side, his eyebrows drawn together in contemplation. “She seemed so nice and normal. Guess you never can tell.”

Brenda arrived at the tail end of the conversation and placed a plate of food before him.

“Good riddance, I say, although I am sorry you were taken in by her, Whip.” She placed a hand on his shoulder before returning to her seat.

He narrowed his eyes and cast them over his sister. “You and I need to talk,” he said. There were too many anomalies for his liking. Brenda wasn’t the teary type, nor was she the type to make up stories. She’d never lied or given him reason to mistrust her before. She’d always been forthright and honest, owned up to her mistakes, and took the punishment on the chin. Now, though, she was avoiding eye contact like it was an Olympic event, and something in her demeanor earlier today didn’t ring true.

Jessie Rose had been consistent when he’d questioned her on the drive to the motel, sticking to her story that Brenda went through her personal e-mails. He prayed she was mistaken, not only because it was the wrong thing to do but also because some of those e-mails were X-rated and not for teenage eyes.

If he found out Brenda was lying, he’d paddle her arse himself. Jessica was adamant, but when he’d queried her as to what proof she had, she’d fumbled for words, colored up like a red-hot chili pepper and stammered, ‘she could just tell.’ Not very articulate for a wannabe writer. Besides, she’d bared her soul to him and was never lost for words, so why clam up now? But if in fact Brenda did do it, what was her motive? And why not just admit she’d snooped?

“What do you want to talk about?” Brenda asked, all light and airy, snapping him back to the present.

Playing dumb was also out of character for her. “I think you know the answer to that. And before either of you two say anything, I don’t need an audience.” He addressed the latter statement to Drew who had opened his mouth to speak, then Whip’s glare silenced Mark before he could do the same.

“We were just leaving anyway.”

Drew stood, and Mark followed his lead. “Yeah, we’ve got a big night planned. The word is some of the high-school seniors from St Therese’s are meeting up at The Royal Oaks for drinks, and we plan on offering the girls our services.” Drew’s grin was goofy and he waggled his brows.

“Yeah, should be a blast and to top it off, it’s your turn to drive, sport.” Mark tossed Drew the keys to the SUV.

“Which seniors?” Brenda wanted to know.

“Ah, a gentleman never tells.”

“So spit it out then.”

“I’m crushed. Are you saying Drew and I aren’t gentlemen?”

“In a heartbeat.”

“If you two are leaving, then hop to it,” Whip barked.

“All right all ready, come on, mate, we know when we’re not wanted. See you Mudrat.” Mark ruffled Brenda’s hair as he passed by.

Whip waited until the front door closed before speaking. “So what’s the deal, Brenda? And I want the unabridged truthful version.”

Brenda pushed back her chair and stood. “I’ve already told you,” she grumbled, picking up an empty plate and began clearing the table.

“Humor me,” he told her, lending a hand and following her into the kitchen.

“It’s like I said before. Jessica went to answer the phone, her father called. Do you know he’s a religious minister, and she lied to him? She told him she was in Australia investigating locations for some bookstore and that Highland Glen was a guesthouse?”

“That’s not relevant.”

“Of course it’s relevant. It’s proof she can’t be trusted. She’s lied to her parents, and she’s lied to you. What more do you want me to say?”

“What happened to make Jessica so angry she threatened to paddle your arse?”

“I guess she has a violent streak.”

“Brenda.”

“Look, when Jessica left the room I took her seat at the computer. She hadn’t logged out of her e-mail account, so of course it was open. When she came back to the room she went off her nut, okay? Is it my fault she didn’t sign out?”

“You didn’t search through any of her folders or read any e-mails or discuss anything else?”

Brenda shifted from one foot to the other. “Is that what she said?”

“Jessica was reluctant to say anything much at all.”

“I guess she was too embarrassed at being caught threatening me with physical violence in my own home. What a nerve.”

“Jessica doesn’t strike me as the violent type or the type to overreact.”

“Oh terrific, you heard her threaten me with your own ears and yet you’re taking her side?”

“I’m not taking anybody’s side. I’m simply trying to get to the bottom of what caused such a blow up between you and her.”

“I told you what happened, so stop grilling me.”

“Now who’s overreacting?”

“I’m sorry I came home and I’m sorry you’re little Internet girlfriend is a skank, but isn’t it better you found out now before you did something really stupid, like marry her?”

The plates he was carrying hit the kitchen sink with a brittle thud. “Don’t ever let me hear you talk about Jessie Rose like that again. Ever. And who I choose to marry is my business, not yours.”

Brenda pulled a face that made his hackles rise higher and caused him to bark, “Are we clear on both scores?”

She flinched but didn’t speak, only acknowledging him with a slight inclination of her head and the protuberance of her bottom lip.

He grabbed hold of his temper and tamped it down. This was getting nowhere. Brenda was on the defensive and feeling wounded, but he was in no mood to placate her. “I’ve got a mountain of paperwork that needs attention. If anyone wants me I’ll be in my office.” And without another word, he spun on his heel and bounded out of the kitchen.

Chapter 15

The next morning, Brenda’s bedroom mirror revealed a face that was long and drawn with panda eyes. She yawned, making no effort to stifle it or cover her mouth. Anxious, tired, and cranky, sleep had eluded her for most of the night, and it wasn’t until the small hours that she’d drifted into a half sleep. Normally at the homestead she slept like the dead, but normally her conscience was clear, unlike when she’d crawled into bed last night. It was also the first time she’d experienced guilt and shame at her behavior.

Brenda blew out a breath and trounced down the stairs, her mood as gloomy as an overcast sky on a winter’s day. The house was eerily silent, making her think what it must have been like inside the burial chamber of Cheops like she’d been studying at school. Mark and Drew were still in their beds; it had been after three a.m. when they’d stumbled in from their night on the town.

As for Whip, who knew when he’d turned in; he’d still been shut up in his office when she’d skulked off to bed at ten-thirty. The mood in the house had been tense. It wasn’t as if she’d lied when answering his questions, more that she’d been evasive and misrepresented the truth a teeny bit.

Guilt crept up her spine and manifested as a throb in her temple. After her accusations yesterday, Whip had looked torn and Jessica crushed. Not that she owed the American any allegiance. Her loyalty was to her brothers and Annie, and if Whip sailed off to the States with the Internet ho, where would that leave the family? Up crap creek without a paddle, that’s where.

She shuffled into the kitchen and filled the kettle. Her head ached; she massaged the crown and threw back a couple of Tylenol. Her fingers tousled her hair and then scraped across her furrowed brow. It was for Whip’s own good. For the good of all the McGregors.

She took a teabag from the caddy, dropped it into her favorite mug and added the boiling water. When Travis married Annie, life as Brenda had known it, changed. But Annie was a local girl, and although Travis now spent all of his down time with her, they at least still lived on the property and she could visit at any time.

She picked up the mug and wandered out onto the veranda just as the sun was creeping over the horizon. Jacko, their old blue heeler, was asleep by the door, snoring softly. Every now and then he’d whimper or growl, and one of his legs would twitch as if he was about to break into a run. Her heart softened at the sight of the old pooch. He’d been a working dog before she was born; nowadays though, he spent his twilight years between the porch and the barn, catnapping and dreaming of bygone days. Aged and half deaf, he didn’t stir as she went down the steps and headed toward the barn where Cyril was seated by the wide double doors on a bale of hay, watching the sunrise.

“You’re up early, Princess,” the old man remarked, taking a piece of paper and a wad of tobacco from the tin in his breast pocket and handing them to her. As a little girl she’d pestered him to teach her how to roll his durries. He’d finally given in, and she had the maneuver down to a fine art now.

“I couldn’t sleep,” she murmured, parking her butt beside him and placing her mug on the ground.

“A troubled conscience will do that to a person.”

He scratched his head and his rheumy eyes drifted to hers as he spoke. She almost choked but remained silent, lowering her lashes to avoid his steady gaze. It was silly. Of course he didn’t know, he couldn’t know — could he?

“A little bird told me Jessica packed her bags and skedaddled into town last night.”

“Ah-ha.” Brenda squirmed, but her dexterous fingers kept at the task.

“Rather sudden.”

“Good riddance I say.”

“Too bad; she was good for your brother. Lord knows he needs a good woman in his life.”

Good woman, yes; gold-digging ho, no. She refrained from voicing her thoughts, just kept her eyes downcast and concentrated on rolling the cigarette.

“And if she doesn’t show up at tonight’s shindig, well, Whip will look like a right proper git, won’t he?”

Her head snapped up and she almost dropped the cigarette. “What do you mean? What’s so special about tonight?”

“Well first up, the barbeque was organized to introduce Jessica around. Then yesterday when those high-falooting Texan cattlemen announced they were flying in early, Whip said what with them being her countrymen and all, he’d invite ‘em along and kill two birds with one stone. Darn shame. It was important for Highland Glen’s breeding program that this went well. Guess that’s backfired on him.”

She picked up her mug and took a long swallow of tea. Darn, this complicated things. Last time she’d been home, Whip had been crowing about the Texans’ interest in Highland Glen, claiming what a triumph it was. The family had to make a good impression to avoid Whip and the rest of them coming off as total tossers, and that meant Jessica had to make an appearance tonight. Double darn.

“Speak of the devil.”

Brenda glanced up to see Whip striding across the yard, body tense, face as cold and dark as the Antarctic at night. By all appearances his mood hadn’t improved any since last night.

“Where are you off to in such a rush at this hour of the morning, son?” Cyril asked as Whip drew level.

“To see Jessica.”

The response was clipped and sharp, his voice flat and granite hard. He didn’t even acknowledge her, just kept on walking straight by and into the barn.

“Good luck with that boy,” Cyril called to his back.

Her groan was masked by the engine’s roar as Whip fired up The Beast. The wheels spun as he drove out of the building. Both she and Cyril stared after the vehicle as it headed toward the first gate.

“Like I said before, she’s a good woman, that one.” Cyril’s voice was muffled by the engine noise, but Brenda heard his words anyway.

Good woman, ha! What a joke. Had Cyril lost his marbles too? Was she the only one that could see Jessica for the fake she was? But that wasn’t the immediate problem. Jessica
had
to attend the party tonight.

Brenda pushed out her bottom lip. “You know you should give these up,” she said rising to her feet and passing Cyril, the hand rolled.

“Time enough for that when I dance at your wedding, Princess.”

She shook her head and said a hasty good-bye before rushing up to the house. She had to call Jessica, convince her to come to the barbeque tonight before her brother got there. The trusty e-mails, her mother’s ill health, and a dash of unfriendly persuasion, should just about be enough to do the trick. Her mouth pulled back, but the smile was halfhearted and gave her no joy.

Once inside the house, she went into the kitchen to check no one was about. Gladys would be up, but she must’ve been out collecting the eggs, so the timing couldn’t be better. Brenda dashed to the phone book. There were only three decent motels in town, and she got lucky on the first try. Her toes tapped and her fingers drummed the table while she waited for the receptionist to transfer her to Jessica’s room.

“Hello, this is Jessica.”

Jessica’s voice was fuzzy and muffled as if she’d just been woken from a deep sleep. Tough. Brenda whooshed out a breath and shoved fingers through her hair. “It’s Brenda.”

“Brenda. What’s happened, is Whip okay?”

Jessica sounded sincere, but she wasn’t fooled. The only real concern Jessica had was she’d been found out for the little schemer she really was.

“Whip’s fine, he’s on his way to see you.”

“Why? He’s not supposed to be here until lunchtime.”

“As it happens he’s got some businessmen he’s been working out a deal with for months, who are coming to this party tonight, and they expect to see you.”

“Yes, I’m aware of that. Whip did tell me. What are you saying exactly?”

“I’m saying you’d better be here.”

“So now you want me there?”

“No, I don’t
want
you here, but they
expect
to see you here, so you’d better show up and be nice unless you want Whip looking like a fool.”

“Of course I don’t want that. How could you even ask?”

“Oh please, don’t pretend like you care.”

“You’re wrong Brenda, I do care. I care very much, not only for Whip, but also for the rest of your family.”

“Whatever. Just so you know, this changes nothing. Tell Whip when he asks that you’ll come to the party, but you’ve booked the bus to Sydney for Sunday. You’d better be on it too, or believe me Jessica, I will send your folks those e-mails.”

She didn’t wait for Jessica’s response. She dropped the phone with a thud and rubbed her temple, her head was beginning to throb again. The kitchen clock showed it was after seven, so little time had elapsed, yet so much had happened. Unbelievable. She swiveled on her heels, intending to go back to her room and lay down, but was shocked to a standstill. Gladys was standing by the back door. Brenda’s heart plummeted. There was nothing wrong with Gladys’ hearing.

A lump thickened her throat, and she swallowed her anxiety with a gulp. “Gladys, you gave me a fright. I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Just back from collecting the eggs, same as every morning. Who were you talking too, lass?”

“Ah nobody, um just a girl from school.” This was turning into a nightmare. If Gladys learned what she’d done, the old lady, who was the closest thing to a mother she’d ever known, would go spare with disappointment. Brenda’s face warmed and she did a few rapid blinks. She was only trying to protect her family after all.

“You okay girlie? You look a little flushed.”

“I’ve got a headache. I was just going back up to bed when you startled me.”

“No doubt a result of all that kerfuffle with Jessica last night. Pity, Whip sure did take a shine to that one. We all did.”

“Am I the only one that can see her for what she is?” Her temper flared and she was mad enough to spit. Even Gladys, usually an astute judge of character, had been hoodwinked. Jessica sure had pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes, Brenda thought, as she stomped out of the kitchen and up the stairs to her room.