Dianne's Destiny Read online

  Chapter 19

  Kip caught a flash of light from the hill across from the pasture. He looked again and didn’t see anything. He slapped the coiled lasso against his thigh to coerce several steers into a holding pen then dismounted to lock the gate. Dust from the truck and trailer Ricochet was driving showed up down the road.

  Kip watched Ricochet bring the truck to the loading pen and screech to a stop.

  He jumped out and waved his arms. “Kip! Come with me now. Someone’s shot ten of our prize heifers in their pasture.”

  Anger shot through Kip’s chest. “What the hell?”

  Ricochet shook his head. “It’s a mess. The others are bawling and wanting to stampede. The boys are calming them down and moving them to the corral near the barn. Some are wanting to pull the dead heifers out with the tractor, but I told them to wait. Goddam it, Kip. The bastard used some kind of long range rifle.”

  Jaw clenched, Kip loaded his horse in the trailer and climbed in the cab. He was out of breath. He fisted his hands and hit the dashboard. “When did it happen? Not long ago I saw flashes of light from the hill on the west. Didn’t think much about it.”

  “Just a little while ago. I bet that was what you saw. I don’t know who did this, but I guarantee we’ll catch the SOB, and he’ll be sorry. We called Sam. He’ll be out here as soon as he can.”

  A thought froze his blood. “Dianne! My God! I have to call Dianne.” Kip used speed dial, but it went straight to voice mail. He left a message and dialed Jocelyn. Again, voice mail. “She’s not answering, Ricochet.” Kip buried his head in his hands and scrubbed at his face.

  “I’m sure she’s fine.”

  “That SOB Simon must be behind this. No one around here would shoot up a pasture full of heifers.”

  “Sam will have some answers. Hang in there.”

  Kip flew out of the truck before Ricochet parked it and ran to the small huddle of cowboys standing near the gate of the pasture full of dead heifers, blood, and disturbed ground. They held rifles and watched the hills. Each of them tipped his hat toward Kip. “Boys, any idea what happened out here?”

  “No. We came out to check on them and found this plus twenty heifers cowering in a corner, couple of them got cut up by the barbed wire. The shooter got them all in the head. Had to be a good shot.”

  Kip walked through the gate and to each dead heifer. He kicked the ground. His phone rang and he jerked it out of his pocket. “Dianne! Where are you?”

  ****

  Dianne’s heart crawled in her throat at the sound of Kip’s voice. Something dreadful had happened. “We’ve been at the early matinee and our phones were off. You sound upset. What’s wrong?”

  “Someone shot up a pasture full of heifers, killed ten of them. Whoever did it was a crack shot. We’re waiting on Sam. I want you to go home, lock every door. Call me when you get settled in. Sam’s pulling in now. Stay safe.”

  Dianne slid down the wall of the movie theater lobby and shook her head. Without looking at Jocelyn, she said, “That was Kip. Someone’s killed some of his cattle. He told me to go home.”

  “Oh my God! I’m so sorry, hon.” Jocelyn gently took her arm and helped her up and led her to the car. “Give me the keys.”

  She gave Jocelyn her purse before walking to the passenger side. “Simon’s behind this. But, how? The authorities are keeping an eye on him.”

  “Where there’s an evil will, there’s a way. What did you ever see in that man?”

  Dianne gave a bitter laugh. “That’s what I’ve asked myself a thousand times.”

  ****

  Kip couldn’t stand still. He kicked rocks, hurled stones, and cursed. He wasn’t sure what to think, say, or do.

  When Sam pulled up, he was putting his cell phone in his pocket. “I just talked to the detectives. Simon’s been at his hotel all day and evening. What happened?”

  “The guys came out to check on the heifers and found this.” Kip swept his outstretched arm toward the pasture littered with the carcasses of the cattle. “They were shot from a distance. The shooter is good. Simon may not have been the shooter, but I guarantee he had something to do with this.”

  Sam photographed the carnage. “Show me where you saw the flash of light.”

  Kip pointed to the hills in the west. “It was just the one time I saw it. I didn’t hear anything. I was down in the bottom penning up steers waiting for Ricochet to come in with the trailer. He told me about the heifers.”

  “I’ll get someone out to look for shell casings and anything else that might have been left behind. Don’t expect to find much, but you can’t ever tell.” Sam shook his head. “Guess you can go ahead and take care of those heifers.”

  ****

  When they arrived home, Dianne couldn’t sit still. She paced, trying to overcome the worry weighing on her heart and mind. She considered unwinding in the basement. Instead, she turned toward the bathroom where the lure of the Xanax in the linen closet called to her like a siren.

  Jocelyn stopped her by placing her hands on her shoulders. “Calm down. Everything will be okay.” She gave a reassuring squeeze. “I’m going to hop in the shower. If you need me, come on in.”

  Dianne nodded. “Thanks. I think I’ll go down to the basement to read for a while.”

  “Good idea.” With a smile, Jocelyn disappeared into the bathroom.

  Gathering a book and lap blanket, Dianne headed downstairs.

  In the basement, she flipped on the light and gasped, barely noticing the book and blanket tumbling from her hand. Her sable coat lay across the sofa. The one she’d left at Simon’s when they divorced.

  A chill raced through her, and she jumped when a man appeared in the doorway. She didn’t recognize the features behind his scruffy beard. He wore overalls with a plaid shirt, and an unlit cigar hung from the corner of his mouth.

  “Who are you?” The words came out in a choked whisper.

  “Name’s Larry. And I have a little surprise for you.” Before she could react, he’d crossed the room and grabbed her, clamping a hand over her mouth.

  “You and me gonna take a little ride. There’s someone anxious to see you.”

  Oh God…would Jocelyn come down to look for her? How long would she have to be gone before her friend became concerned?

  The man pulled her toward the door. She struggled and tried to bite his hand, but it was no use. He was much stronger than she. Her only hope was that someone would find her…before it was too late.

  Chapter 20

  Kip’s phone rang. Jocelyn’s name showed on the caller ID, and he answered right away. “Hey. Is something wrong?”

  “I think so. I know something is going on. Dianne went down to the basement not long after she last talked to you. She was gone longer than I thought she should be so I went down there. She wasn’t there.” Jocelyn sucked in a breath and choked on a sob.

  “Calm down. What makes you believe she’s gone? Maybe she’s out for a walk, or somewhere else in the house.”

  “There was a fur coat on the sofa, one that Simon got her years ago. She left it when she filed for divorce. The book she took with her had been dropped on the floor. And, the back door to the maintenance room was open. Simon’s here. Or, someone working for him.”

  “No. He’s in New York. Sam talked to him earlier about the cattle.” Kip swallowed the bile rising in his throat. Fear for Dianne threatened to stop his heart. He rested the phone between his jaw and shoulder, rubbing his eyes.

  “He’s hired someone. Dianne’s gone, Kip.”

  “Stay put. I’m coming. I’ll bring Sam with me. In the meantime, call the Wichita Falls cops. Don’t touch anything. I’ll get her back.” Kip dropped the phone in his shirt pocket and left. Once he got his hands on the bastard, Simon Jacobsen was a dead man.

  *****

  A nondescript rental car waited outside the side gate which was shrouded in magnolia trees. Larry shoved her roughly inside. Determined not to cry she gritted her teeth and s
wallowed hard several times. She was too angry to be frightened.

  Fifteen minutes later, they pulled into the air strip. Simon’s private jet waited on the tarmac.

  “What are we doing?”

  “Taking a little trip to New York City.”

  “But, Simon’s here.”

  “Not anymore. He gave those yokels the slip. He’s waiting for his lovely bride in New York.”

  Despair clenched her stomach. Would Kip come all the way to New York to find her? Or would he see it as another betrayal?

  In that moment, she knew, she would never have returned to New York willingly. Her home was here…her heart was here. She just hoped it wasn’t too late to convince Kip of that.

  ****

  Dianne looked out the window as the plane began its descent at a private airport in New York. Panic stirred despite her efforts to control it. She rubbed her chest and tried to use calming breaths. Glancing to her side she saw Larry pulling a phone from his pocket. She listened as he informed Simon of their arrival. She would stay alert and do whatever she must to keep Kip safe.

  When the attendant lowered the steps, Larry led the way, and Dianne followed. She sensed Simon’s presence and saw him waiting beneath an awning. He smiled and waved as if she were simply returning home from a trip. She refused to acknowledge him until she could look him in the eye.

  “Welcome home, sweetheart. How was your journey? I trust the flight went well.”

  “I’m not your sweetheart. Why am I here?” Dianne pulled her shoulders back and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “I decided not to deal with those hicks in Oklahoma and Texas anymore. You are supposed to be here with me. Divorce was never my choice. We will marry again in two days. It’s been arranged.” Simon reached for her elbow and led her through the small airport. Larry walked behind them.

  A luxurious town car waited at the door, and Simon opened the passenger door for her. She halted before slipping inside. Keeping her voice controlled although her emotions were seething, she said, “Why did you have Kip’s heifers shot?”

  “Why not? I had to get your attention somehow. Besides, a few cows aren’t of significance.”

  “Really? Cattle are important to ranchers. Those heifers you had shot were worth about ten thousand dollars without figuring in their added worth when they became old enough to breed and have calves. Not to mention, it was just cruel and inhumane.”

  “No worse than butchering them for food, right? In any case, I guess it was a good choice wasn’t it? Your cowboy might think twice before causing trouble for me. I was here. Nobody saw Larry, so how can anyone prove I had anything to do with it? Now, let’s get you home and into some decent clothes. You won’t ever wear jeans and western boots again. Nor will you ride a horse.” Simon ran his hand up and down her arm.

  She pulled away, swallowing her disgust. “Oh. Someone will figure this out. You will be sorry. As far as my clothes are concerned, you have no say.”

  “But, I do. You got here without the benefit of being able to get any of your own things, including your license, passport, and credit cards. Leaves you helpless, I imagine.”

  Biting back a retort, she angrily plopped down on the seat. Simon moved to the driver’s side, and with Larry in back, they headed out.

  The drive through New York City traffic shattered her nerves. Defeat overwhelmed her yet she maintained a posture of courage with her spine straight and her shoulders back. When they arrived at Simon’s apartment building, she exited the car with poise and grace. She smiled and spoke to the familiar doorman. The elevator sped to the penthouse, leaving her gut at the bottom.

  “For now, my dear, I have arranged for you to sleep in the spare bedroom. You’ll find clothes in the closet and toiletries in the bath. There is no phone in that room. The doorman knows not to allow anyone up. Now, go bathe and dress for dinner. We’re going out.” Simon paused when his cell phone rang. “Simon Jacobson,” he answered.

  Dianne watched the expressions cross Simon’s face. Smugness, anger, then amusement.

  Simon held the phone down to his side. “This is that yokel sheriff. He’s having other officers check your residence for evidence of wrongdoing. So far, they’ve found nothing. Guess he just wants to try to scare me. And, by the way, your friends Kip and Jocelyn are flying out here.” His eyes sparked with an insane light. “If they come around, I’ll have a rather…unpleasant surprise waiting for them.”

  “No. Don’t hurt them. I’ll do whatever you wish. I’ll tell them to go back, that I want to be with you.” Dianne’s voice shook. Cold fear rampaged through her body, making her dizzy. Her courage suddenly failed her.

  Simon handed her the phone. “Talk to him.”

  She put the cell to her ear. “Sam, please stay there. Don’t come, don’t let Kip or Jocelyn come. I’ll be all right.” She shot a glance at Simon from the corners of her eyes. “Simon admitted having a man named Larry kill the cattle and kidnap me.”

  Simon slapped her across the face, and the phone flew across the room. Tears sprang to her eyes. Her skin stung, and she rubbed her cheek, but refused to cry. The satisfaction that she had given Sam some information offered her a small sense of victory.

  Simon jerked her up, almost dislocating her shoulder. “No more calls. Get in there and get dressed. Now!”

  Dianne slammed the door. She stood in the middle of the room and tried to calm her shaking. What she wouldn’t give for a few anti-anxiety pills right now. Just to take the edge off. But they were in Wichita Falls, as were Jocelyn, Kip…everyone she truly cared about.

  She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and moved to the closet. It was well organized and filled with an entire wardrobe of designer dresses, suits, coats, shoes, and bags. She slid some along the rod, choosing a green cashmere sweater and black slacks, ran a brush through her hair, and left the room.

  Simon eyed her up and down. Revulsion knotted her stomach, but she forced herself to remain steady beneath his gaze.

  He gave a curt nod. “That’s better, but you should change into an evening gown for dinner and the theater. Wear the blue.”

  Chapter 21

  The plane carrying Kip, Ricochet, Sam, Jocelyn, and a Wichita Falls detective touched down. Two officers of the New York City Police Department met them.

  Kip waited as the law enforcement officials made introductions and moved to greet them. “It’s nice to meet you, Officers. Thank you for helping. I’m Kip Mahan, Dianne’s…friend. Do you know where she is?”

  “Well, sir, we know where Mr. Jacobson’s penthouse is and assume she’s there. We’re waiting on a warrant. It would be best if you and your friends stay at a hotel. The sheriff and detective can ride along,” the older of the two officers answered.

  “I’m going,” Kip demanded. “I need to see her and make sure she’s safe.”

  Sam put his hand on Kip’s shoulder. “I know, but let us handle it. We have evidence that Simon orchestrated the kidnapping and the slaughter of your heifers. Larry is in the system and has a record. We’ve already picked him up. We got that information from the casings found in the rocks above the pasture. Remember he left fingerprints? Just wait, keep your phone near, and we’ll get things done.”

  Kip nodded and swallowed the knot stuck in his throat. He looked up at the skyline trying to find the sun. “I can’t stand this. That SOB will pay for this. If he hurts her I’ll kill him.”

  Sam led Kip away. “Come on, buddy. Let the law handle this. Go find something to eat and wait at the hotel.”

  ****

  Dianne woke up and looked around the room. She couldn’t recall where she was at first. Sunlight streamed through the eastern window. It was morning. The sounds of traffic and the angry blast of horns brought reality slamming into her gut with the force of a physical blow. The threat that Kip was in danger echoed in her consciousness, scaring her into action. She rolled over and climbed out of bed. A white silk bathrobe hung on the door. She put it on and jerked
the sash tight. She took several deep breaths, tucked her hair behind her ears, and walked to the kitchen.

  “Good morning, darling.” Simon smiled at her before handing her a cup of coffee.

  She accepted it with shaking hands.

  “I thought I would go into the office for a couple of hours then pick you up so we can spend the afternoon in Central Park. Doesn’t that sound lovely?” Simon sipped his coffee.

  “Whatever you say.” Dianne refused to smile at him. She gripped the cup tightly to keep from slinging the hot beverage into his face.

  The buzzer from the front lobby rang. Simon answered it. “Sir, the New York City police are on their way up to your apartment. I couldn’t stop them.”

  Simon grabbed Dianne with both hands and squeezed her shoulders. “You go to the room. Take your coffee. Keep quiet.”

  Dianne grinned. “Looks like you’re in trouble.”

  Simon slapped her hard across the face. Hot coffee spilled and scalded her hand. Spots clouded her vision and a thousand fire ants seemed to be burrowing in her cheek.

  She lifted her head and stared at him defiantly. “I will not leave. What are you going to do with cops right outside your door?”

  Simon jerked her so close she could smell the coffee on his breath. “Do what I say, now, unless you want more of your lover’s animals dead. You think Larry is the only person I have to do my bidding?”

  She clenched her teeth and whirled, stalking to the room just as the doorbell rang. She left the door ajar and peered into the living room.

  Based on Simon’s actions and lack of clear thinking, he was more unstable than she ever imagined. She had believed he was egotistical and narcissistic but not violent. How could she have missed it?

  Simon opened the door. “Can I help you?”

  “Yes, sir. We’re looking for a missing woman named Geneva Dianne Raborn Jacobson and have reason to believe she may be here.”

  Sam moved in her line of sight, through the space of the cracked door. “How ‘do, Simon?”

  “Sheriff. I have no idea where Dianne is. As you know she left here several months ago and returned to her home town. Is she missing?”