Song of the Meadowlark (Intertwined Book 1) (10 page)

Cora waved her hands in the air, protesting Rex’s assumption. “No, no. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that. They’re dancing.”

“And you?” He raised his right eyebrow.

“Nope. A few offers, though. I danced with Matt, but he soon tired of me and moved on.” She played with the water droplets on the table.

“Why’s that?” Rex leaned forward.

“A difference of opinion about alcohol.”

“Did he try to put the moves on you?” Rex asked calmly.

“Yeah. No harm done, though. He didn’t push the issue.” Cora relaxed her shoulders for the first time that night. She and Rex locked eyes.

“I’m glad. Matt’s pretty slick with the ladies. He should stay away from you.”

“Slick, huh? Must run in the family.” Cora grinned, not asking why Rex wanted him to stay away from her. The question lingered on her tongue, however.

“Good one. Would you care to dance?” Rex invited.

“Of course, I would.” He didn’t have to ask her twice.

She got up from her chair and took Rex’s offered hand, so warm and big with calluses, which proved he was a working man. His fresh scent triggered emotions in her which had been asleep in Cora for far too long as they began the two-step, the same dance Cora had danced with Matt. However, this dance was different. Her feet moved in unison with Rex’s, shuffling across the sawdust floor, as Rex led Cora all around the room. When a slow song started, Rex pulled Cora in closer to him, and she didn’t resist.

Cora felt light-headed. If Rex felt what she was feeling, this could mean trouble. In the back of her mind, as they swayed to the music, was the fact that Rex was so different from her. It was obvious by his lifestyle. He needed to change, but she couldn’t make it happen. She’d tried that with Clark, and it hadn’t worked.
Lord, what’s happening here?

She closed her eyes and moved in closer to Rex, placing her head on his chest. His shirt was soft on her cheek. He was a head taller than her, and she couldn’t reach his shoulder unless she stood on her tiptoes. His arms, strong around her waist, offered security from the world.

After the third song, Rex whispered in her ear, “Let’s go sit down for a while.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

Rex went to the bar and brought back water for them both. She smiled. Rex smiled back, but he said nothing. As they sat and talked, he played with the cuff on her shirtsleeve, and she occasionally rubbed her index finger across his hand.

They both jumped when Veronica threw her purse down on their table. Startled, they moved their hands away from each other. Cora looked wild-eyed back and forth from Rex to Veronica.

“How dare you bring her here! You knew I’d be here. What do you have to say for yourself?” Veronica hissed, eyes flashing lightning rods at Cora.

Standing, Rex walked around Cora and took Veronica by the arm. “Don’t make a scene in here. Now sit down!” Rex shoved Veronica into a chair opposite Cora. Cora jumped. Then he threw his leg over the back of the chair and reclaimed his seat next to her. “I didn’t bring her here. She came with Matt and Clarice. I just happened to run into her.”

“Well, it sure looked like something else was happening here besides casual conversation. I’ve been watching you,” Veronica sneered. Her painted eyelids and nails made her look like a saloon girl…a jealous saloon girl.

Rex said nothing. He only looked at Veronica.

Seconds went by like hours. Cora’s heart pounded in her ears. What was Veronica capable of doing?

Matt came to their table. “What’s going on, big brother?”

“None of your business, Matt.” Veronica’s words dripped with venom.

Matt held up his hands in mock surrender.

Rex growled, and Cora heaved a sigh over the broken silence. “Veronica, I told you the truth. It’s obvious you don’t trust me. I guess you’re not what I’m lookin’ for in a woman.” Rex kept his voice low, seeming not to want to embarrass Veronica.

“What? And I suppose she is!” Veronica glared at Cora.

Cora shifted in her seat. Matt never took his widened eyes off Rex.

“I’m not gonna dignify that question with an answer.” Rex turned to Cora and took her hand. “Come on, I’m takin’ you back to the ranch.”

Cora got up without a moment’s hesitation and let out the breath she’d held for over a minute. As the two left the bar, Veronica threw something at them, hitting them in the backs of their legs, but they didn’t stop to see what it was.

When they got out to Rex’s truck, they jumped in, and he pulled away from the bar. Once they were down the road a bit, Rex spoke. “Cora, I’m so sorry.”

“That’s okay. It wasn’t your fault. It proves to me I don’t belong in a place like that.” She looked at Rex through the glow of car lights.

“You know somethin’? I don’t either.” He chuckled.

In the dark cab of the truck, she could barely see his face as they passed a streetlight. She liked hearing him laugh. “I know it probably isn’t any of my business, but is something going on between the two of you?”

“How did you guess? We haven’t been getting along lately. She’s turned into a possessive...well, you know what I mean? I don’t like being around her.”

“Why not?”

“I think it’s you.” Rex glanced over at Cora.

Cora gulped, something she’d had to do a lot of lately. “Me?”

“Compared to Veronica, you’re like Mother Teresa. And now that I’ve gotten to know you and respect what you do for my daughter, I can’t settle for someone like her.”

“Thank you. That’s a kind thing to say.” Rex’s words soothed the rough edges of her nerves. She traced her lips with her finger, remembering his lips on them. She stretched her legs out and crossed her feet, avoiding the cans and box that were still there from the other day.

“I’m also attracted to you. Not because of the type of person you are and how you are compared to Veronica, but for who you are, just for you. You have this glow about you. I can’t be with her when I see there’s someone like you.”

“Rex, I thank you for what you’re saying. But I told you before...”

“Cora, I’m not tryin’ to make you go against your beliefs. I’m just sayin’ I can’t settle for Veronica when there might be a Cora out there somewhere for me. I know you’d never settle for me. I wouldn’t want you to. You deserve someone much better than me. Maybe if I keep working at it, I’ll deserve someone like you one day.”

There was obvious sadness in Rex’s eyes, the laugh lines at their corners barely visible. “Rex, I never meant to imply you weren’t good enough for me. We just have different values. We’ve talked about this before. But…”

“But what?”

“We got off to a rough start. I misjudged you. The more I know you, the more I like you though. Especially when we were dancing tonight.”

“Oh?” Rex smirked.

“Oh yes.” Cora boldly shrugged her eyebrows at him. “But I’m still grieving. And I think you are too.”

“Forbidden love, huh?” Rex pulled into the gates of the Southern Hope ranch.

“I guess so.” They both laughed.

At midnight, they arrived home. The O’Reillys were in bed, so they tiptoed up the stairs together. “Good night, Cora.” Rex stood at the entrance to Cora’s bedroom.

As he turned to leave, Cora whispered to him, “Rex, thanks for bringing me home…and for the conversation.” She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. He leaned toward her to kiss her mouth, but she pulled away, uncertain where that might lead.

Once in her room, Cora dressed for bed and climbed between her sheets. But as soon as she relaxed underneath the covers, she remembered. She flung them back and slid from her four-poster bed. Pulling on her robe, she exited her room, walking quietly down the hall to Susie’s room. She entered and closed the door behind her. A promise was a promise. When she turned around, Rex was there, kissing his daughter and tucking her in. He was tenderhearted, more than she’d ever imagined.

Rex smiled at Cora as she walked over to the bed. The child lay in gentle slumber. Cora hated to disturb her even with a kiss. They made sure Susie was tucked in and then left her room.

Once out in the hall again, they stood together for a moment. Rex studied her robe. Loneliness threatened to overtake her. The past year without Clark had left not only an emotional void in Cora’s life, but a physical void as well. Their kiss had stirred a forbidden fire in her. She said good night again and scurried down the hall to the safety of her room.

When she climbed back in the bed, her tiredness from before was something of the past. She turned on her television and flipped through the channels. She settled on the late-night news in time to see a report about another missing woman, this time from Lewistown, where Ms. Lottie’s place was.

Oh Lord, God, please! Let them catch this guy! Please don’t let anyone die because of this psychopath.

Chapter 9

The following morning, Cora awoke with a smile, her ride home with Rex the night before still fresh on her mind. She stretched and her spine tingled from her encounter. The August sun blazed in through her curtains, dancing across her bed. She stretched again, yawned, and protested having to get up.

Cora rolled over in her bed. Snuggled up and sleeping next to her was little Susie. She brushed the child’s hair out of her face with a whisper of softness. Such innocence. What about the women in the news stories? Had their innocence been robbed?
Lord, please protect them and protect this precious child from this kind of tragedy. She has already been through so much.

Susie’s eyes opened, and she reached for Cora.

“Good morning, little one. Did you sleep well last night?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Susie wrapped her arms around Cora’s neck. Her Snow White nightgown felt soft against Cora’s skin. Her hair smelled like lavender.

“Well, good. How did you end up in my room?”

“I missed you. I came to see if you came home.”

“Susie, I told you I’d return. I came in last night and kissed you good night.” Cora tapped Susie’s nose. “I guess we had better get up. Breakfast will be ready soon. You stay here in my bed while I go shower. Okay?” Cora slid out of bed with a groan.

“Can I go to my room and play?”

“Of course you can, Sweetie. I’ll be in to dress you when I get myself ready.” Cora went into the bathroom and shut the door.

“Can I come in with you?” Susie asked from outside the door.

“No, darling, you run along and play. I’ll be in soon.”

Susie left Cora’s room, and Cora proceeded to get ready for breakfast. She lavished her shower, washing away the smell of cigarettes from the night before at Wild Bill’s. She dried her hair, put on a little foundation and mascara, and then dressed in her jeans and black T-shirt. She slipped her sandals on and went down the hall to Susie’s room.

Half an hour later, Cora and Susie entered the dining room where R.L., Pearl, and Matt waited for breakfast.

“Good morning, girls,” R.L. greeted.

“Morning.” Cora sat in her usual seat, Susie by her side. Rex was nowhere in sight.

“Good morning, Cora.” Matt winked at her.

Her face burning, Cora greeted him. Was he flirting with her? Or could he be laughing because she left Wild Bill’s with Rex last night? Surely, he didn’t think something happened between them.

Soon after, Rex entered the room. Instead of taking his seat across the table from Cora, as he usually did, he sat next to her. Matt cleared his throat and chuckled, making it clear to everyone what he thought. Rex shot Matt a disapproving glare through narrow slits and then turned to Cora and gave her a huge grin. R.L. and Pearl eyed each other and smiled.

“So, Rex, have you decided which direction you’d like us to take with the ranch?”

“No, Matt. And I hardly think this is the time to talk about it.” Rex grimaced.

“Well, we haven’t exactly been on the same side of the planet lately. When do you think we’re gonna talk about it?” Matt took a loud sip from his coffee.

Cora’s gaze flitted back and forth between brothers. The tension between the two was undeniable. How could Matt switch from playful flirt to hard-headed businessman so easily?

“We can talk privately in Dad’s office later, or I can come into town and we can meet. Breakfast after a late night out isn’t the time.”

“Matt, Rex is right,” R.L. cautioned.

“As always.” Matt looked away.

“Excuse me, ma’am.” Jimmy entered the dining room from the kitchen. “Should I serve breakfast without Miss Clarice, or do we wait for her?”

“It’s 8:20 a.m. already. She knows breakfast is at 8:00 a.m. We’ll go ahead and eat,” Pearl answered.

“Why hasn’t she come down yet? You think she’s feeling okay?”

“Oh, R.L., you pamper that girl too much. Rex, didn’t y’all go out last night together?” Pearl asked.

“Yes, ma’am. Well, I joined up with them later.” Rex drank a sip of his coffee and added sugar and cream, then buttered his toast, cut it in half, and gave Susie one piece.

“Maybe she’s tired. She may have had too much to drink, although I hope that isn’t the case. What time did you get in?” R.L. questioned Rex.

“I brought Cora home early. I don’t know what time Matt and Clarice got in last night. Matt?” Rex turned to his brother.

“Uh, I got in at 2:00 a.m.” Matt’s face turned red. He picked at his eggs with his fork.

“What do you mean
you
got in? Where was your sister? You went there together.” R.L. glared at Matt.

“I took someone home, and Clarice said she’d be fine.” He shifted nervously in his chair.

“Son, I can’t believe you left her there. Why didn’t you go back and check on her?” Pearl slammed her hand down on the table, and Cora jumped.

“Mom, she can take care of herself.”

“I’m going up to check on her. I can’t believe you were so irresponsible!” Pearl got up from the table. “Excuse me, Cora.” She stormed out of the room.

They ate breakfast in silence. Cora could hardly eat though, sick that something might have happened to Clarice. She turned to Rex, giving him a worried look. He touched her arm gently. What if Clarice had become one of those missing women? She said nothing for fear of spreading panic to the family.

Within a few minutes, Pearl came bounding down the stairs and into the dining room frantically. “R.L.! Clarice isn’t in her room. It looks like she didn’t come home last night. Where could she be? I shouldn’t have gone to bed last night without checking on her.”

“Now, honey, I’m sure she’s fine. She probably stayed in town with a friend.” R.L. turned toward Rex. “Rex, can you go look for Clarice?”

“Yes, sir, I’m on my way. Cora, go with me.” Rex looked in Matt’s direction and groaned.

“What about Susie?”

“Go, Cora. I’ll take care of Susie,” Pearl reassured.

Rex and Cora made their way out the front door as Clarice stepped on to the front porch. Her untucked blouse was unbuttoned past her cleavage. She carried her heels in her hand. Her makeup was almost entirely gone except for her smeared mascara. A blue pickup disappeared down the driveway.

“Where have you been?” Rex demanded of his sister, who was giggling.

“None of your business,” Clarice stammered, trying to push past her brother.

Rex grabbed her arm and twirled her around toward him. What were all those bruises on the girl’s face? “It most certainly is my business. Mom and Dad are worried sick about you. For all they know, you’re dead. Look at your face. What happened to you? Now tell me where you’ve been!” Rex kept his eyes on hers.

“I met somebody. Okay? I went home with him.” Clarice stared at the ground, tightening her jaw.

“Clarice! How could you?” Cora gasped. “Did you know someone else was kidnapped last night? It could’ve been you.” Rex and Clarice both turned toward her, obviously surprised by her outburst. “I’m sorry, but I can’t believe it.” An earthquake of disappointment rumbled through Cora.

“Oh, please, Cora, get a life. Like you’ve never done anything like this before. What do you think I went to Wild Bill’s for, anyway? This isn’t the first time I’ve done this. It’s the first time I’ve gotten caught though.” Clarice crossed her arms across her chest, causing her top button to unbutton, revealing more cleavage.

“What? Young lady, do you realize if Mom and Dad knew you’d stayed out like this before they’d lock you in your room? Not to mention what else could’ve happened to you.” Rex pointed his finger in her face.

“So what? I’d find a way to get out if they locked me up. I’m an adult, anyway. And nothing would happen to me.” Clarice tapped her foot defiantly on the porch.

Cora went over to the porch swing and dropped into it. What was she hearing? She never imagined Clarice would be promiscuous. She’d hoped she was only a flirt.

“Clarice, you’re not an adult if you can’t support yourself. You can’t pay your way. You live off Daddy.”

“I hate you, Rex!” She stomped her foot.

“Go inside! I’m not helping you out of this mess.”

“Rex! Come on. I didn’t mean it. That’s not fair.” Clarice grabbed his arm.

“Fair? How fair is it that Mom and Dad are in there frantic? This is the fairest thing I could do for you. Maybe this will straighten you out. Now get in there!” Rex pointed toward the door.

When Clarice pushed open the door and walked in, the sound of R.L.’s voice yelling at Matt filtered out.

Susie was crying, so Cora ran past Rex and Clarice to get to the child. When Susie saw Cora, she ran from her gramma’s arms and into Cora’s. Cora whisked the tot outside onto the porch to swing. Susie didn’t need to hear the explosion that was soon to occur.

A half an hour later, Rex came out onto the porch. He wiped the sweat from the back of his neck. He walked over to the swing and sat next to Cora, taking Susie into his arms. “Hi.”

“Hi.” Cora looked straight ahead. A hot morning breeze blew across her face, and a cow mooed in a far-off pasture.

“Thanks for bringin’ Susie out here. I don’t like her to be around when there’s fightin’ goin’ on.”

“You’re welcome. I didn’t think I belonged in there, nor did I care to be.” Cora rubbed her hands back and forth on her legs. She surveyed the cracked paint on the porch flooring.

Grabbing one of her hands in his, Rex gazed straight into her eyes. “Don’t be nervous. Everything will be okay.”

“I’m not so sure, Rex. Did Clarice go home with a friend? A boyfriend, I mean?” Cora asked.

“Not exactly.” Rex looked down at the ground.

“Good.” She blew out a puff of breath.

“No, not really.” He raised his gaze to hers.

“What do you mean?” Susie jumped down from her father’s lap.

“She went home with a stranger.”

“A stranger? No! How could she? I can’t believe she’d do that, knowing there’s a kidnapper on the loose. Did she—”

“Yes, and evidently she’s done this before.”

“What did your parents say?” Poor R.L. and Pearl. Poor misguided Clarice.

He exhaled. “Well, at first they were thrilled to see her alive. But when they saw she was unharmed, except for those bruises, they demanded some answers. They were disappointed in her for not callin’, for goin’ home with someone she didn’t know, and for doin’ what she did while she was with him. They were also furious with Matt for leavin’ her there. Turns out he met a woman and took her home. He stayed at her house for quite a while, if you know what I mean.”

“So, both of them...?”

“Yes, evidently so.”

Cora buried her head in her hands. “I feel awful for leaving her there last night.”

“No, no, you’re not to blame. Clarice is a big girl, and she knew what she was doing. One night wouldn’t have made a difference. Besides, Matt was responsible for both of you last night until I brought you home. But he was still to look after Clarice. And he didn’t do his job because he was more concerned with his own needs.”

“I feel sick. Maybe if I’d stayed, Clarice wouldn’t have left with that guy. And maybe Matt wouldn’t have gone home with someone he didn’t know.”

“Don’t bet on it. They both think of themselves first. You heard Clarice. She said she went there looking for a man. She’d have left with him no matter what. And, if you’d stayed with Matt, you might have ended up like the woman he spent the night with—used and discarded.”

“Nothing would’ve happened between me and Matt, I assure you. I think he knew that too, because he quickly grew tired of being with me. I wish I’d never gone with them. I wanted to drive my own car, but they insisted I ride with them. Truthfully, I wish I’d never gone at all.” Cora’s stomach flip-flopped.

“I know what you mean. I never went to Wild Bill’s until after Patricia was gone. It was all new to me too. You’ll get used to it.”

“Oh no, I won’t.” She held up her hands. “I’m not going back there again. I told you last night I wasn’t cut out for places like that.” Cora got up from the swing to check on Susie, who had run to play on the walkway.

“Cora? Wasn’t there anything good about last night?” Rex came after her.

Cora turned. “Oh yes. I was able to get to know you a little better. But, you’re still a mystery to me.”

“Me? You’re the mysterious one.”

“I don’t think so.” Cora giggled.

The front door opened, and out came Matt with Clarice right on his heels, yelling at each other, saying things Susie shouldn’t hear.

“I’ll talk to you later, Rex.” Cora rushed down the steps and took Susie’s hand. She led her up the steps and into the house. Susie squeal her disapproval about having to go inside.

Once upstairs and in Susie’s room, Cora calmed Susie down, and they played until lunchtime. Cora tried to answer Susie’s questions about her family’s arguments as best she could. She and Susie had their lunch served out by the pool. After they ate, Susie went down for her nap.

Cora went into the kitchen and used Jimmy’s computer to email Anne and tell her about Clarice. She had to get the events of the past twenty-four hours off her chest.