Ropin' Trouble (Cowboys of Nirvana Book 2) (23 page)

“No, I didn’t. Maybe Scrawny did.”

Once he was closer, Pearl attempted to put a smile on her face. Sometimes that worked for the Stone daughters, but his jaw remained steely. “Dad, what are you doing here?”

He shook his head and, as he stopped, his boots squealed on the floor. His grey eyes narrowed into slits. Powerful and in-charge, her father had the capability of making almost anyone cower under his glare—including his three daughters. He wasn’t a mean man, but he had little patience when it came to mischief.

“I’ve come to clean up another mess.” His focus drifted over the lobby full of sick people. “Let’s take this to a private spot where we can talk.” He nodded his head toward the other end of the hall.

Pearl followed him, shoulders slumped. Em gave her a look of encouragement.

“You didn’t need to come and clean up anything. I have this under control.”

Joshua’s wrinkles deepened. “Pearl, then why am I getting a call from Scrawny telling me you took off in a huff after threatening DJ Walters? Then I come to find out that you shot the boy in the ass.” His gaze burrowed into her skin.

“I didn’t shoot him.” Pearl sighed. Joshua’s wiry silver brow shot up. She swallowed the heaviness in her throat. “Okay, I did, but it was an accident. His dog jumped on me and the shotgun went off.”

There wasn’t even an ounce of forgiveness in her father’s expression. “I thought we’d discussed this before following the incident with the truck. You were supposed to stay far away from him because you two act like children.” He kept his voice low. “What is it with you and your sisters and toting guns like they’re purses?”

“I’m offended, Dad! Not once have I carried a gun or thought of toting one. I’ll stick with Coach,” Em whined.

Pearl narrowed her eyes. “Thanks, Em.”

Em gave her an apologetic frown.

“No guns for you, but trouble follows you just as it does your sisters,” he huffed. “I’m beginning to wonder what you girls will get into next. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. I swear you three are trying to drive me to an early grave. Thank heavens Jewels is getting married.”

Pearl hated when her father was angry, especially when his wrath was directed at her.  She’d always been the peacemaker, not the troublemaker. “I’m a victim of DJ Walters and his ignorance. Pugly got into the fence with Charmin again. You know what my plans were for her.”

Joshua’s brow furrowed deeper. “Who the hell is Pugly?” He waved a hand. “Never mind. It’s not important. What is important is making sure the Walters family doesn’t press charges. I spoke with Jeb Walters on the way here. He said we didn’t have to worry. His son wouldn’t make a big deal out of this. But DJ can easily go against his father’s wishes and call the law. And I don’t want the conflict between our families, especially since it’s just you and the oldest boy who can’t seem to get along.”

At the mention of the ‘law’ Pearl had a feeling that she was going to vomit the bagel she had eaten earlier. Although the incident was an accident, things could have been far worse. And although she did hate DJ with a passion, she didn’t want to see him dead.

“So, Jeb and I have come up with a solution.” Relief spread over Joshua’s weathered face.

“I agree.” Pearl didn’t wait to hear the suggestion, but felt some tension leave her muscles. “We should pay for a nurse to take care of him and we can hire a ranch hand to temporarily take his place at the R&R until he’s back on his feet.” She smiled in resolution.

Joshua shook his head. “No.”

Her smile fizzled. “No?”

“DJ won’t need a nurse. You’ll stay with him at the R&R and treat him as you would one of your sisters if they were to suffer this same tragedy. You’ll also help out on the land, as needed.”

Pearl couldn’t breathe. The overhead lights brightened and sweat beaded between her breasts. Em’s gasp cracked the air, mimicking what Pearl was feeling on the inside. “I won’t do this,” Pearl whispered.

“Yes you will, otherwise, I wouldn’t be surprised if DJ doesn’t file a complaint. And you need to think of the repercussions if that should happen.” The area around Joshua’s mouth turned white.

“Why would I want to stay there? Why would DJ even agree to such a ludicrous agreement?”

“At this point, neither of you have a choice in the matter. Jeb and I are tired of these foolish stunts between you and his son. Maybe if the two of you are forced to tolerate each other, you’ll drop all of this nonsense, once and for all.”

“But, Dad, do you realize what you’re asking of me?” Tears blurred her vision.

His jaw softened. He laid his hands, callused and wrinkled from years of hard work in the sun, on her shoulders. “Listen, Pearl. I’m not doing this because I don’t love you, but quite the contrary. If the shenanigans don’t stop, someone’s going to get seriously hurt. I understand you’ve had a beef with this boy for years now. I don’t know what sparked it, and I realize he isn’t innocent in all of these events, but you’re my daughter and I want you to do the right thing. You’ve made a mistake and now fix it.” He dropped his hands, the hard lines back on his expression.

“Dad, this is crazy. You can’t expect her to stay with a stranger, let alone a stranger she can’t stand. They could kill each other being all alone,” Em interjected.

“Then so be it because I’m washing my hands of it.” Joshua turned and marched back toward the direction he came from.

“He can’t force you to do this.” Em gave a saucy flip of her long hair.

“With any luck, I can persuade DJ that he would do better with a nurse helping him and not me. There is no way he wants this any more than I do.” At least Pearl hoped.