Song of the Meadowlark (Intertwined Book 1) (7 page)

“Ms. Bellamy, I don’t understand.” Cora propped her cell phone up one her shoulder and squeezed it tight to her ear while she packed the last of her things. This was probably the strangest phone call Cora had ever had—the Assistant District Attorney from Perkins County north of there investing Clark’s business dealings. Weird.

“Please call me Kathryn. Cora, your husband had ties to some drug dealers in New York who are doing everything in their power to get rid of anyone who might have information about them.”

“Okay…I can guarantee you I don’t know anything about any of Clark’s dealings. He never shared anything with me about his export business, if you want to call it that.”

“We just want you to be safe. We’re investigating everything your husband was involved in, and it’s bound to dredge up a lot of ugly business.”

“Please call me if you have any questions, but I really don’t see how I can help. Do I need to hire someone to protect me from these people? I’ve already had a run-in with a kidnapper since I left South Carolina.”

“Yes, I heard about that. That’s an entirely different matter though. The missing women are not tied to this drug family.”

“You’re sure?”

“Positive. I may call you though if I come up with any information that leads me to believe they are connected. Are you somewhere safe?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m staying with a family in Southern Hope at their ranch.”

“Okay, good.”

“Thanks for trying to put this matter with Clark to rest. I hope it gets settled soon and can stay buried with him.”

“That’s what we’re hoping for here in Perkins County.”

***

Cora entered the terminal of the Columbus Metropolitan Airport after exiting the airplane. Her driver should be waiting for her. She longed to be back at the ranch after being gone for two days to Columbia for Clark’s funeral. That morning Pearl had assured her someone from the ranch would pick her up. So Cora sat in a chair to wait as people rushed by on their way to undisclosed destinations.

As she flipped through a magazine, Cora reflected on the past two days. Her heart had soared when she'd seen Ben and Judy, although it'd been under terrible circumstances. Much of their grieving had been done before Clark’s death, though, so his funeral seemed nothing more than a formality. Seeing Clark’s body had been one of the most difficult things Cora had ever done. How much he’d changed in only a year. Fifty pounds heavier, he wore his hair long to his shoulders and dyed black. He was hardly the same man.

Ben and Judy tried to convince her to return to Lake Murray, but she declined. She’d possibly found a new life in Southern Hope.

Was there a mission for her at the ranch? Or in the town somewhere? Was there a calling for her higher than working for the O’Reillys? She needed God to reveal to her what he wanted her to do. If this was a time of rest and renewal for her, then she needed to prepare the family for her departure when the time was right.

Cora glanced up from her magazine to watch a couple saying their good-byes as the gentleman prepared to board a plane. She smiled slightly at them. Would they ever see each other again? There were no promises of such things. Her heart ached over not seeing Clark one last time and over the realization that the last time she’d seen him, she’d had no idea it would be the last. She didn’t get to say good-bye. It was probably for the best anyway.

“Cora?” a deep voice called. Rex stood in front of her.

“Rex? What are you doing here?” Cora stood, her stomach flipping. She straightened her shirt and fidgeted with her purse strap on her shoulder.

“I came to take you home.” Rex shuffled his boots and straightened his Stetson.

Rex’s smile warmed Cora’s heart. He said “home.” “You didn’t have to do that. I know you were probably busy.”

One of the airport personnel rode by on a motorized cart, and Rex shifted out of the way. “I volunteered to come after you, Cora.” Rex stared directly into her eyes.

There was something about the way he spoke her name. It rolled off his tongue like melted butter. Cora’s heart pounded in her chest. The air left her lungs. “That’s very kind of you.” She tried to control her reaction. Rex was the most handsome man she’d seen in a long time, and her loneliness threatened to push her toward compromising her values.

“My pleasure. Let me have your bag.” Rex took her bag from her. “Do you have any more luggage?”

“Yes, just one small suitcase.”

“Okay, let’s go get it. Then we can be on our way. Cook will be holding breakfast for us.”

Cora smiled at Rex and followed him to the baggage claim then out to the truck. His friendliness kept her eyes glued to him.

It took almost an hour to get back to the ranch with traffic, but Cora didn't mind. The time passed while they shared their tastes in music, movies, literature, and food. Rex's stories of the ranch happenings while she was gone balanced out her dreary events from South Carolina. It was like they were old friends.

The decision to come back to the ranch had been a good one. Tomorrow held promise.

When they arrived home, R.L., Pearl, and Susie greeted them on the porch. Cora breathed a sigh, glad to be back. Then the front door open and someone stepped out from the doorway. Cora's eyes landed on the shoes first then moved upward. Veronica stood in the doorway, hands on her hips, dressed like she’d walked out of a fashion magazine.

“Hello, Cora. I see you’ve found your way back to the ranch.” She sized Cora up, her translucent eyes reducing her to nothing more than a peasant.

“Hello, Veronica.” Cora’s elation changed to dejection, as if someone had punched her in the stomach. “Yes, I’m back.” She smiled curtly.

Rex’s neck stiffened, and he moved away from Cora, creating obvious space between them. He didn’t even offer to help her with her bags. Like a direction shift of a spring wind, he went to Veronica and took her into the house.

Cora’s mouth gaped as she stood beside Susie, her hand on top of the child’s head, watching the two lovers. Why had he changed so around Veronica? Maybe he was trying to have both of them. Maybe he only wanted Cora for conversation and companionship, and he wanted Veronica for the most obvious of reasons.

“Cora? How was your trip?” R.L. came down from the porch steps to help with her bags and frowned in Rex’s direction.

Susie skipped behind her grandpa’s heels.

“It was as expected.” She crossed her arms across her chest, giving herself a squeeze. “I’m glad it’s over. Now, finally, I can start my life over.” Bending down, Cora opened her arms to receive Susie and to give her a doll she’d purchased in South Carolina. This child would be the lifesaver she needed. Susie hugged Cora’s neck so tightly she could hardly breathe, but she loved it. A hot breeze blew across them. An airplane flew overhead, and Susie pointed at it, eyes widening in wonder.

“Come inside for breakfast. You must be hungry,” Pearl said.

“Yes, I am, and tired.” Then she turned to Susie, who held her hand as they walked into the house. “How about we take a nap after breakfast?”

“No way!” Susie shook her head dramatically, and everyone laughed.

“We’ll see about that.” Cora grinned at the child.

Two days later, on Sunday, Cora’s rest reservoir still measured below empty. She’d been unable to pull herself away from Susie on Friday after her return, and Saturday had been almost as bad. She needed a bit of time to herself, so she stayed home from church. Pearl and R.L. took Susie into town for church and for lunch at Ms. Lottie’s.

Cora stayed in bed and rested until her stomach wouldn’t let her wait any longer. Then she put on her robe and went downstairs.

Jimmy cleaned up the breakfast dishes as Cora entered the kitchen. “Good morning, Cora.”

“Morning, Jimmy.” Cora sat at the breakfast table, gazing out the bay window at the ranch. The early morning sun beamed on to the porch.

“How are you feeling?” Jimmy turned to study her.

“I’m getting back to normal. After the kidnapping and the loss of my husband, I’m definitely ready for life to be boring for a while.” She laughed.

“I sure hope life calms down for you. Can I get something for you? I was about to head out for church, but I’d be glad to get you something,” Jimmy offered.

“Oh no. I wouldn’t want you to be late. I’m staying in today. What did you serve for breakfast?”

“Bacon, eggs, toast, fruit, and coffee.”

“What’s left?” Cora’s stomach growled.

“Some bacon. How would you like a BLT? It isn’t quite lunch time yet, but sometimes a BLT is good this time of day.”

“Jimmy, you’re a genius. That sounds great. I’ll get everything, though. You go on.” Cora fluttered her hand at him and started for the refrigerator.

“Thanks. I hate to be late for church.”

“See you at lunch.”

Cora prepared the sandwich but couldn’t eat much of it. Her nerves held her stomach hostage. She couldn’t eat or sleep much lately. She headed upstairs and passed Matt’s, Clarice’s, and Rex’s bedrooms. Their doors were shut, so she couldn’t tell if they had gone to church or not.

Once in her room, Cora slipped her swimsuit on and headed back downstairs to take a swim before Susie returned. She hadn’t been able to swim laps since she’d arrived at the ranch. Susie didn't swim well, and Cora had to watch her constantly in the pool.

Cora put her thick towel down on the chair and smoothed sunscreen on her skin. She breathed in the aromas of coconut and lime. “Ahh...” When the sweat puddled in her navel and on her chest, Cora jumped into the pool to cool off. She swam about a half-hour, smiling up at the sun and lavishing the peace and quiet.

Then Rex’s truck pulled into the driveway. Had he been to church? She calculated the time. He wouldn’t have had time to return home from the city. Why did she even care what he was doing, after the way he’d treated her? Best to avoid him all around.

As Cora splashed in the pool, Rex came around the house to enter through the back door. When he saw her in the pool, he stopped in his tracks and gave her a bright smile. “Good morning.”

It wasn't morning anymore. “Are you coming in from church?” Judging by the way Rex looked, the answer to her question was clear.

“No.”

Cora said no more. His behavior after her return home from the airport had cut her, and she refused to set herself up for more disappointment. She swam to the other side of the pool to get away from him.

“What’s up with you? Why’d you swim over there?” Rex squinted in the sun, his hair tousled and his shirt untucked.

“I just wanted to swim. Nothing’s up,” Cora dodged and nervously kicked her feet. It was clear what he’d been doing the night before. He’d probably been with Veronica, and that was why he hadn’t returned home until now. Cora remained at the opposite end of the pool and played with her hair.

“Are you mad at me?” Rex crossed his arms.

“Why should I be? You haven’t done anything to me.” Her eyes were stinging.

“Right. You’re absolutely right.” Rex turned and walked into the house.

Cora slapped the water. “Ooh, that man!” Why didn’t she tell him what she thought of him when she'd had the chance? Why did she clam up instead? Because...he was, after all, her boss.

Why did it have to be so difficult to work for him? Because she didn't approve of his personal life, that's why. She inhaled deeply. She had to let it go. He liked the job she was doing with Susie, and that’s what mattered.

Cora climbed out of the pool, wringing her hair. She dried off with her towel, reapplied sunscreen, and stretched out on the chaise. She closed her eyes and let out a heavy sigh, letting the sun heal her soul. She had to learn to keep her big nose out of Rex’s affairs. As long as she did a good job with Susie, that was all that mattered.

Then fierce thrashing in the pool startled Cora out of her peacefulness. She jumped from her chair tripping over her towel. She stumbled to her feet, and there in front of her, Rex splashed in the pool, arms and legs flailing all over the place.

“Help! Help! I can’t swim; I’m drowning!”

Cora jumped into the pool to save him without hesitation. There was no time to think. As she reached Rex, he almost drowned her, along with himself. She finally got him calmed down. Then Rex burst into laughter. Cora stared at him with her jaw dropped. She’d been conned. She shoved him away and swam to the shallow end of the pool.

“Cora, come on, lighten up. I just wanted you to come in and swim with me.”

“Well, that wasn’t funny. I really thought you were drowning. What if that had been Susie? What if I’d thought she was joking? It isn’t funny!” Cora’s head spun from the adrenaline rushing through her veins.

Rex swam over to Cora. “Hey, I’m sorry. Are you okay? I didn’t mean to frighten you like that. I was only playing.” Rex’s face was now inches away.

Cora stared into Rex’s eyes—black as midnight, intense, and spellbinding. “I’m fine, but I can’t believe you did that. You know, I should drown you right now. Then you’d learn your lesson.” Cora pushed Rex away again, playfully this time.

“Come here.” Rex gently pulled Cora back.

For a moment, neither spoke. Cora couldn’t help feeling tingly around him. He was so mesmeric and even more terrific-looking wet than dry. Even though she’d been mad at him a lot lately, her opinion had definitely changed since first seeing him at Ms. Lottie’s. He’d do anything to protect Susie, and he was a hard-working man. Plus, he looked great after working on the ranch, all dusty and smelling like the horses.

“What?” Cora felt herself slipping into Rex’s arms.

“I said I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.” Rex pulled her closer.

“I hope not.” Their eyes locked, and Rex’s hold on her tightened. Her heart throbbed. She could feel it coming... “No.” She pushed away from Rex.

“What is it?” Rex asked. “What’s wrong?”

“Rex, you’re my boss…and you have a
girlfriend
.” Whom he’d been with in this very pool. What was he, some kind of Don Juan?

“Cora. You think too much. Veronica isn’t my steady girlfriend. Besides, I’m not your boss.” Rex came after Cora.

Cora reached the side of the pool and lifted herself out of it before Rex could catch her. “You
are
my boss.” She turned around toward Rex and then pattered across the deck.

Rex climbed out of the pool after Cora. “I’m Susie’s father. You’re her nanny. But my father employs you. Not me.”

Cora sat in her lounge chair, and Rex sat in the one beside her. Their knees touched.

“So I’m not your employee...but you do have a girlfriend. Anyway, I don’t care if you think you’re not steady. Veronica obviously thinks you are. She doesn’t like me. I know she doesn’t want me around.” Cora towel-dried her hair.

“She doesn’t matter right now. I want you around. You’re great with Susie.”

“Thanks.” Cora gazed into Rex’s chocolate eyes. She loved chocolate. She looked away before she lost herself in them. A hot breeze wafted across them.

“Why won’t you look at me?” Rex pulled on the corner of her towel.

“It isn’t you. I can’t get close to anyone right now. It’s too soon. I’m still sorting out Clark’s death.”

“He’s been gone a year, Cora.” A bull snorted in the pasture.

“Yeah, well, he’s been gone, but not dead. And I guess I don’t get over things as quickly as you seem to. I can’t just find someone, hop into bed with him, and forget all my troubles.” Cora shot daggers at Rex with her eyes.

“Ooh, that hurt. Is that what you think I’m doing? Do you think you’re my next conquest?” He huffed and ran his fingers through his dripping hair. “You’re wrong, you know. I told you how I feel about Patricia. But you can’t go to the grave with them. You have to move on.”

“That’s what I’m trying to do. But I can’t do it the way you do. I couldn’t leave my child for someone else to raise while I was out playing around with a wild woman. I mean…” She reached out to touch Rex in apology.

He jerked away. “So that’s how you see it? Well, at least I know what you think of me.”

“Rex, let’s drop it. I didn’t mean it to sound the way it did.”

“Tell me what you think.” Rex demanded. “Tell me!”

Cora sat in silence for a few moments, collecting her thoughts. She straightened her shoulders and pulled her towel closer to her chest. “I think you’re a great guy, very charming, nice when you want to be.” She smiled. “But I also think you aren’t living as you should. You never spend time with Susie, and you’re off at bars every chance you get. You don’t even come home until morning. Staying out all night with a woman isn’t exactly my idea of a good example.” Cora crinkled her brow, waiting.

“You know very little about me.” Rex bolted from the chair and stared down at her. The silence was deafening. Even the cows were silent. “Raising Susie is now your responsibility. My parents knew I couldn’t do it alone. That’s why they hired you. You set the example for her and leave my life for me to worry about. Is that understood?” Rex glared at her, then walked away, not giving her a chance to respond.

“Rex!” Cora was open-mouthed. Did he really think she was now solely responsible for the raising of his daughter? Precious as Susie may be, Cora couldn’t do what Rex demanded of her. The child needed her father. She’d already lost her mother.