Trouble at the Red Pueblo (37 page)

Instead, he asked, “Do you want to go unload Goldie, get her settled?”

She nodded, her head moving against his chest.

“I’ll stay here and talk to Major. While you’re in the barn, maybe you could find something for Trey to sleep on?”

She pulled away then, wiping her eyes on her sleeve. Spider spied a napkin on the counter and handed it to her. She blew her nose. “Forgive me,” she said to Major.

“No problem.” The attorney put his hand on his chair and waited for her to leave the room before he sat at the table.

Spider walked over and sat in Laurie’s place. “Okay. What is it you need to talk about?”

Major pulled the stack of papers to himself. “How well did you know Jack Houghton?”

Spider picked up a pen lying on the table and rolled it between his thumb and fingers. “Hardly at all. I met him at our wedding. Probably saw him once a few years after that. We came to Kanab a week ago and in that time shared three meals with him. That’s about the size of it.”

“You knew he was a successful orthodontist?”

“Hell, he’s got it written on the gate to his ranch and on his license plate. You couldn’t miss it.”

“Well, when he was first diagnosed, it scared him to think that he might not be around to take care of some of the people who depend on him.”

Spider set the pen back on the table. “I think we all face that.”

“You have to realize that Jack had no real obligation to these people, not like you’d have to Laurie. But he set about making sure they’d be watched over when he died.”

“Who are
these people
?”

“To start out, there’s Leila Dawn. She manages the clinic.”

“You mean the office in the clinic?”

Major shook his head. “Jack didn’t want to be bothered. He liked to fix teeth and ranch. Leila Dawn was a young widow with kids to support. Jack hired her and trained her to run the clinic. She hires and manages the staff— including the two other dentists, knows the regulations, keeps an eye on the bookkeeper. She does it all. She retires in ten years, so you’ll have to decide then what you want to do.”

Spider’s brows came together. “What I want to do? Why would I want to do anything?”

Major looked perplexed. “Didn’t Jack tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“That he’s leaving the ranch and his dental clinic to you?”

Spider felt his jaw drop, but for a moment he was too blindsided to close it. A dozen thoughts spun through his mind in seconds, the majority of them beginning with
I can’t.
Then he remembered Jack’s words the last time saw him.
I’ve seen that you’re a good man to have around in difficult times, and what I’ve done is because of that, not because of Laurie.

Stunned, Spider sat unmoving. His first reaction was to abdicate, if that was what you did to an inheritance. But then he realized that Amy was one of
these people
. Who would step up and make sure she had the fullest life possible? Who better to be involved in Amy’s life than Laurie?

And what about Laurie? Here was her chance to be a successful rancher. Did he deny her that just because he was too proud to accept Jack’s bequest.

But could he uproot himself and leave the place his great grandfather had homesteaded, the place he and Laurie had sacrificed so much to hang onto.

However, there was Bobby, saying he wanted to move to Lincoln County, raise his family on the homestead. “It’s
qadar,
” he said.

Major looked up from the paper he was perusing. “Beg pardon?”

“It’s
qadar
— Arabic fate.”

“Oh. I thought there was something wrong with your throat.”

“There’s something wrong, all right, but it’s not with my throat.” Spider sat forward. “Okay, let’s have the whole of it. What does Jack want to leave to me?” He held up his hands. “Mind, I haven’t said I’m okay with it.”

Major pulled a piece of paper from the stack on the table and slid it in front of Spider. Picking up the pen, he used it as a pointer, indicating the first column. “Okay, first is the practice. You’ll notice that it doesn’t generate a whole lot of profit each year. Over and above operating expenses, salaries, insurance, rent, those kinds of things, you’ve got money going into retirement plans and a trust fund for Amy. Then there’s a monthly stipend for both museums, the one in Kanab and the one in Fredonia, plus a donation to Care and Share.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s the local food bank.”

“And this figure down here at the bottom?”

“That’s the monthly profit.”

Spider didn’t mention that it was twice what he made as deputy sheriff.

Major pointed to the next column. “Here you’ve got the ranch. Jack runs— has been running— a calving operation. He’s had good luck, and he’s done well each year.” He moved the pen down to the next set of figures. “Here’s what he got for this year’s crop; here’s the profit.” Major moved the pointer to the last column. “This is the cash legacy. Jack’s personal fortune. He’s not a millionaire, but it’s substantial.”

Spider whistled under his breath.

“Of course the ranch comes with everything. The house. The cattle and horses. The machinery to take care of the alfalfa. Jack’s brand new diesel pickup. Oh, the yellow Mustang is to be in Laurie’s name.”

“That’s fine, but why?”

“Jack said since he gave her horse to Amy, he wanted her to have the Mustang.” Major pushed the paper aside and placed a many-paged, legal-looking document in front of Spider. “I hope you understand this bequest comes with the stipulation that Amy is to live with you, and you are to be responsible for her welfare. You will be her trustee.”

“I got that. Not a problem.”

“If you agree, you’ll need to sign each highlighted place on every page that has a red tab attached.”

Spider pushed the stack of papers back toward Major. “That’s something I have to talk to Laurie about.” He smiled inwardly, knowing he didn’t have to talk to her. She’d give up Lincoln County for Kane County in a heartbeat.

Major nodded. “Fair enough.”

“If we agree to do this, everything needs to be put in both our names.”

“Can do.” Major picked up his briefcase and stood. “I’ll leave these, so you can read through them and know what you’re going to be signing.”

Spider touched the papers. “By the way, who told you my given name is Quimby?”

“Jack did. Why?”

Spider shook his head. “He was a subtle son-of-a-gun, wasn’t he?”

“When he was doing good he was as subtle as they come.”

Spider stood and walked with Major to the doorway into the living room. The sun had set, and the room was in darkness. “I don’t even know where the light switch is,” Spider said.

Major swept his hand over the wall by the door molding, and the room brightened. “It’s on this side.”

“I guess I’ve got a lot of things to learn.” Spider led the way to the front door and opened it. Offering his hand, he said. “Glad to meet you, Major. If we decide to do this, we’ll need advice. I hope you’ll stay on.”

Major clasped Spider’s hand. “I’d be honored.” He turned and walked toward his car, a sporty SUV parked in front of the stuccoed wall.

Spider stepped back and was closing the door when he saw a flash of lights that indicated someone turning into the circular drive. He opened the door and watched Major pass Martin’s rugged SUV as it pulled up in front of the house.

“It’s like Grand Central Station,” Spider muttered, but he raised his hand in greeting and tried to look welcoming.

Martin got out of the driver’s door, a broad smile on his face. There was a spring in his step, and Spider couldn’t help but remember how he looked a week ago as the EMTs loaded him into the ambulance.

Neva got out on the other side. She waved and then turned to open the rear door, reaching out her hands for LaJean’s canvas bag, so she could hold it as the older woman climbed down. Isaac got out on Martin’s side, and they all converged on Spider at the front door.

“We heard you were here at Jack’s,” Isaac said.

They all turned and looked as a red pickup drove into the driveway and parked.

Matt emerged from the pickup, and a blithe-looking Linda got out on the other side. Matt waited for her, and they held hands as they approached. “We’ve come to say thanks,” the young man said.

Linda leaned towards Matt, and she nodded. “Thanks,” she repeated. She couldn’t stop smiling.

Spider swept his arm in an
enter
flourish. “Won’t you come in? Let’s see if we can find some more light switches and brighten up this room. Find a place to sit, everyone. Laurie should be in momentarily.” He turned on a wall switch and a lamp and then perched on the raised fireplace hearth.

“We can’t stay long,” Martin said. He sat on the couch and patted the place beside him for Neva. “We just wanted to come and tell you thank you for freeing Mattie.”

LaJean sat in one of the barrel chairs placed at right angles to the couch, and Isaac stood behind her. “What made you sure it wasn’t Mattie?” she asked.

Linda occupied the other barrel chair. Matt sat at her feet, and her hand rested on his shoulder. “Who actually did it?”

Spider looked at the floor, wondering how to answer Linda’s question. He didn’t want anyone celebrating Dorrie’s arrest. “The person who did it was the unlucky person who got to Austin Lee first. You’ll read about it in the papers, but I hope you’ll have compassion. If truth be told, it could have been any of a number of people.”

Matt reached up and covered Linda’s hand with his own. “Amen to that.”

Nobody spoke. The room was silent except for the whoosh of LaJean’s oxygen until the quiet was broken by Laurie opening the patio door. Turning away, she whistled. Then she called, “Come on. You can come in.”

She stepped inside and waited, and soon Trey hopped over the threshold. After closing the door, Laurie looked up and saw everyone staring. “I didn’t realize anyone was here. How nice to see you all.” She crossed the room and sat by Spider on the hearth. Trey followed and sat at her feet.

“We’ve just heard about Jack,” Isaac said. “We’re sorry about that. He’ll be sorely missed.”

LaJean reached back and poked him. “What you mean is, his contribution to the museum will be missed.”

“I think he made provisions for the museum before he died,” Spider said.

“He did?” Martin wiped his eyes and gave a small, quavering laugh. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be emotional. This has been a day of great and wonderful surprises.”

“Would you care for some refreshments?” Laurie glanced from one to the other. “I can make some lemonade, and I think there are some of Amy’s cookies in the freezer.”

Neva stood. “We can’t stay. We shouldn’t have come at all, except we had to say thank you for all you and Spider have done for us.”

“That’s right.” LaJean reached up a hand to her husband. “Help me up, Isaac.” When standing, she continued her train of thought. “We forgot Jack was your cousin. We didn’t mean to intrude, him just passing on and all.”

Isaac crossed to Laurie and offered his hand. “Accept our condolences.”

“Thank you, Isaac.” She stood and went to the entryway.

Spider joined her there, opening the door and trying not to appear anxious to hurry them on their way. “It was good of you to come by. I agree with Martin. It’s been a day of surprises. Oh, will you let Marshal Thayne know everything’s wrapped up? He played a big part in getting to the bottom of this.”

“I’ll do that,” Martin said as he and the older guests filed out. Laurie strolled out to the Taylor’s car with them as Matt and Linda paused in the doorway where Spider lingered.

Linda gave Spider a quick hug and a peck on the cheek. “Thank you so much. You saved Matt’s life, but you saved more than that. I hope you realize that.”

“Oh?” Brows raised, Spider looked from Linda to Matt.

Matt made an awkward gesture.

Linda leaned forward and said in a conspiratorial whisper, “He said I was like water to a thirsty man.” She glanced at Matt and smiled.

Matt stuck his hands in his pocket and looked at the floor.

Spider clapped him on the shoulder. “Good man.”

“Come on, Matt.” Linda went out the door and pulled him after her. They walked to the car, and just before getting in, she called out, “Thanks again.”

Laurie joined Spider in the doorway, and they watched the two cars drive around the paved circle and head back along the line of poplars. “It’s nice to finally be alone,” he said. “Did you get Goldie settled?”

“Yes. She looks a little poor. What’s that all about?”

Spider led her to the couch and she curled up beside him. Trey came over and sat at Spider’s feet, laying her head on his knee. Stroking her silky ears, he told Laurie the story of how he found Dorrie.

“We have to be her family,” Laurie said.

“Well, if we’ve got Amy living with us, we’ll certainly have plenty of cookies to take when we visit.”

Laurie sat up and stared at Spider. “You mean you’re willing to accept Jack’s legacy? I thought you’d be too proud.”

“I was at first. Then I got to figuring that since I was the owner of an E-Type Jag, I’d better live near a mechanic. Besides, I knew it would please you.”

Laurie laughed and leaned back against his chest once again. “Isn’t it funny how it’s all turned out? I mean, we lose your mom, and then at the funeral Bobby says he wants the Lincoln County place, and then, boom, Jack gives us his ranch. It’s like— what was it Karam called it?
Qadar
?”

“You’re not saying it right.” Spider touched his Adam’s apple. “You’ve got to hear it way down here.
Qadar
.”

“Wait.” She sat up again. “What was that you said?”

“
Qadar
.”

“No, before that. You said you knew it would please me.”

“Well, sure. Here’s a ranch that’s got good feed, good water. It’s got good-looking Angus and a calving operation already set up. Wouldn’t that please you?”

“But you’d be giving up your great grandpappy’s homestead. Why would you do that?”

“Because—” He dropped a kiss on her lips and shamelessly stole Matt’s line. “—you’re like water to a thirsty man.”