Dianne's Destiny Read online

  Kip watched Dennis key in the number. The boy shook. The color drained from his face. For a split second Kip felt sorry for him. After all he was just a dumb kid.

  “Hello. Mr. Jacobson?” Dennis said into the phone. “You asked me to call if I learned anything more. I think it would be best if we meet somewhere to talk.”

  Dennis listened for a few seconds. “Yes, sir. Of course I’ll do it and call you when I get it done.” Dennis handed the phone to Kip, then bent over at the waist and sighed deeply. “He’s at the fish house. Said watching those people at the ranch made him hungry.”

  Anger boiled in Kip’s blood. He sucked in a controlling breath. He had to be calm when he came face to face with the bastard. He nodded at Ricochet. “Call Sam, tell him to meet us there.”

  Ricochet grinned at Dennis. “Sure will.”

  “Who’s Sam?” Dennis asked.

  Kip turned the key, and the ATV roared to life. “Shut up. Get on. You’ll find out soon enough.”

  They drove through the sand up the bank of the river before entering the highway and crossing over into the parking lot of the fish house.

  Kip took off his hat and used it to brush the dust off his shirt and pants before entering the café. “Dennis, you’re going in first. Sit across from that SOB. We’ll be right behind you.”

  Ruth greeted Kip and Ricochet and raised an eyebrow at the frightened kid with them.

  Dennis walked to a booth and sat across from a man who matched Beth’s description.

  Simon put his fork down and took a large drink of ice water. “You know, this isn’t bad for hick food. Now, why were you so desperate to speak to me? That was not part of our plan.”

  Kip and Ricochet approached the booth and Simon looked up at them. “Excuse me? Can I help you?”

  Kip slid in next to Dennis, and Ricochet sat next to Simon.

  “What’s the meaning of this?” His nose wrinkled in disgust. “You smell.”

  Kip grinned. “We don’t smell so good do we, Pretty Boy? We’ve been working with livestock. It’s sweaty work jumping off of a horse as it skids to a stop, throwing a calf on the ground, branding it, and cutting its nuts off.”

  Simon sucked in a breath. “Care to introduce me to your friends, Dennis? If you expect to get more money out of me you’re dead wrong. I’ll sue you for extortion.” Simon articulated each word with superiority.

  Kip felt sorry for Dennis. He had paled to a shade of green that usually preceded vomiting. The kid shook so hard Kip could feel it. “Well, sir...I ain’t wanting no more money. This is Kip Mahan. The man next to you is called Ricochet. They found out about you and forced me to bring them here.” Dennis stammered and stumbled over his words. He reached for the water before him and took a long drink.

  Ruth moved to the booth. “You boys ready to order?”

  “Not yet. We’ll let you know.” Kip answered.

  Simon straightened his tie and reached for another piece of fish. “What do you gentlemen want? Dennis and I have been communicating, but there’s no crime in that is there? I know who you are, Mr. Mahan. I don’t give a damn who you are, Mr. Ricochet.”

  “Yeah. We know who you are too, Mr. Jacobson.” Kip looked up when the bell above the door jingled. Sam came to the booth. Kip stood to shake the sheriff’s hand. “How do, Sam.”

  “Doin’ good, Kip. What’s up?” Sam pulled his jacket aside, revealing his badge and weapon.

  Simon lifted his chin. His face was flushed, he spoke first. “Officer. These men have threatened me. I want them arrested.”

  “It’s Sheriff, Sheriff Sam Walker. What have they done to you? Seems Kip wants you arrested for stalking and trespassing.”

  Simon’s hands slapped the table, causing the plastic basket of fish and fries to fall in his lap. He cursed and rubbed at the front of his silk shirt with a napkin. “This is the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. Who am I supposed to be stalking, and when did I trespass? I am, by the way, W. Simon Jacobson, Esquire. I am a partner at a large firm in New York City. Tread lightly, gentlemen.”

  Sam turned to Kip. He spit brown tobacco into a cup. “Your turn.”

  “This is Dianne’s ex-husband. He called and threatened her. He came here from New York because he can’t stand that folks won’t bend to his will. He claims to have hired this scared jack rabbit of a kid to spy on Dianne at the round-up. He’s called Dianne’s best friend with more threats. And, he did trespass, down by the river. While you’re at it, arrest this boy for trespassing. He was on my ranch under false pretenses.”

  Sam spit into his cup again. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Is this true, sir? I’ve never known Kip to lie.”

  Simon sniffed and stared at Sam. “Must you spit in public, sir?”

  “Well, I ain’t gonna swallow it.” Laughter surrounded the booth.

  Simon scowled. “It is certainly not illegal to telephone people. And, I assure you I did not trespass. I was near the bridge. I did indeed hire this young man. I merely wished for an opportunity to speak to my wife, however, she has chosen not to speak to me. I am leaving now. Won’t you move, Mr. Ricochet?” Simon motioned for Ruth to bring the tab.

  Ricochet didn’t budge. He sat there grinning. He shifted, making his spurs jingle.

  Kip handed Sam the phones belonging to Jocelyn and Dennis. “Proof is here. He was trespassing on 3G property down in the river bottom. It’s posted. I imagine if you wanted you could compare the tire tracks down there with those on this city slicker’s rental car and his shoes. You know the place?”

  Sam nodded. “That’s not enough for me to arrest him, Kip. I can file trespassing charges, and we can watch him.”

  Simon remained silent during the exchange.

  “Hell, Sam. I showed you the message and told you what Dianne said. You mean to tell me you can’t do anything about it?” Kip glared at Simon. Helplessness threatened to consume him. He vowed not to remain out of the loop as far as Dianne was concerned. He would get back to the ranch, make sure she was safe, and not let anyone or anything harm her again. Especially this bastard. He wanted to beat the jerk into hell.

  “Like I said, I can’t arrest him now. Just not enough.”

  “Does he have to hurt Dianne before something can be done?” Kip slammed his fist on the table.

  “We’ll watch him, Kip. I’ll alert the Wichita Falls Police Department.”

  The left side of Simon’s mouth lifted in a sneer. “Well, if you gentlemen will excuse me I need to get back to my hotel. Dennis, can I provide you with a ride?” He brought his hand up in an awkward salute, and tossed fifty dollars on the table. He stood and turned to leave with Dennis following like a puppy.

  Kip put his hat on and rose to leave. “I’ll come down to your office to fill out those trespassing papers now, Sam.”

  He and Ricochet raised the noise level in the café in a flurry of hats, chaps, boots, and spurs.

  Chapter 15

  Dianne heard the rumble of the ATVs and ran out of the house. She stood near the railing while Kip parked his ATV. “Did you find him?”

  “Yeah, we did.” He stepped onto the porch, enveloped her in his arms, and led her inside.

  “Tell me what happened. I’ve been wringing my hands with worry.”

  “Let me wash up. I’ll be right back and tell you everything.”

  Dianne collapsed onto the leather sofa next to Jocelyn. “I don’t know if I can wait. I’m jumpy. I just want to run. I am terrified of Simon and what he might do. A large part of me thinks it would be safest for Kip if I just left.”

  Jocelyn stood, leaned forward and put her hands on Dianne’s shoulders. “I’m going outside and let you two talk. Do not blow this! Do you hear me? Do. Not. Blow. This. I realize you’re frightened, so am I, but you have a chance to make amends.”

  Jocelyn let herself out just before Kip came back into the room drying his hands on a red towel. He grinned. “You would have loved it. Simon wasn’t at the place the kid expe
cted him to be, but we tracked him down at the fish house. The kid slipped in across from him, and the son of a bitch started in on him about what was going on with you. I slid in next to the kid, and Ricochet moved in next to Simon. The worm introduced himself as an Esquire. What in God’s name is an Esquire anyway? The look on his face was pure hatred. He actually said we smelled.”

  Dianne chuckled. “I’m sure he did think you were smelly.”

  “I accused him of stalking and trespassing. He was pretty arrogant ’til Sam got there.”

  “Sam Walker?” she asked.

  “Yeah, Sheriff Sam now.” He rubbed his face with both hands and shook his head. “Sam had to let the bastard go. Said there wasn’t enough evidence to arrest him. I filed trespassing charges, but nothing will be done unless Simon is caught trespassing again. Sam’s going to be in touch with the Wichita Falls cops.”

  Dianne massaged her temples with her fingertips and shook her head. “You’ve made an enemy you may regret. Simon can be ruthless and cruel. I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you or anyone around here. I just can’t. Be careful.”

  “We can’t do anything right now. It pisses me off, but that’s the facts. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.” He offered a reassuring smile. “Let’s forget about Simon, at least for now. Before long the boys’ll be setting up for the dance. Will you be there?”

  Was he asking her for a date? The fullness of hope soared in her heart, but sadness about the possibility of leaving again darkened it. She hid the sudden up and down of emotions behind a smile. “I’m planning on it.”

  “Great.” He stood. “Well, I’m off to the bunk house to get cleaned up. I’ll be back in an hour to walk you and Jocelyn to the dance.”

  ****

  As soon as Kip left, Dianne found her purse and withdrew the brown medication bottle. She poured a pill into her hand, tossing it into the back of her throat and swallowed.

  Jocelyn’s words about the medication came back to her. Could she be right? Was she starting to depend on them too much? She shook her head. No. Right now was just a trying time. She’d get off of them as soon as things calmed down.

  She took a shower and sat at the vanity with a towel draped across her shoulders. She bent over, drying her hair and humming. She had allowed the burden of Simon to circle the drain with the filth from the workday. She would spend an evening dancing and making new memories with Kip. She flipped her hair back, satisfied with the image reflected in the mirror.

  She’d just finished dressing when the bedroom door opened. Jocelyn came through and twirled with a giggle. “Ta-da.”

  “My goodness! You look great. I teased you about that fringed vest, but it works on you. The entire outfit makes a statement. I think you can do Texas, girlfriend.” Dianne crooked her arm into Jocelyn’s elbow and led her to the floor length mirror. “Damn, girl, we do look hot. I think I heard Kip come in when I was drying my hair. Are you ready?”

  “Ready.” Jocelyn pulled her back. “Have a good time will you?”

  “I intend to have nothing but a good time.”

  They headed down the stairs, and Dianne lost her breath when she spotted Kip waiting at the bottom. He wore a brown suede vest over a starched white shirt tucked into just right starched and creased Wranglers and black shined boots. His belt buckle was turquoise embedded in silver on a black belt. Good Lord, looking that good should be against the law.

  ****

  Kip’s mouth went dry. Had he ever seen such a stunning sight? Dianne wore a cherry red sundress with a vee neck that exposed just enough cleavage, black boots, and a wide gold bracelet. Her hair was loose. Good Lord, she looked amazing. Maintaining a safe distance was going to be almost impossible. He cleared his throat and held out an arm for each of them. “Ladies, you both look beautiful. Shall we go?”

  Couples formed around the planked and sawdust strewn dance floor while the band tuned up. Dianne looked from face to face smiling at each one in turn. She closed her eyes and in an instant saw those same couples as they looked in high school. Teresa often stood with her hands behind her back and with her head down. Her waist length hair was usually draped forward to hide her from the crowd. She was so shy, but when someone asked her to dance she couldn’t stop. Josh was rarely with the same girl twice but he had a knack of making every girl feel like she was the only one. He thought he was such a stud. And, Ricochet, nothing had changed about him except the signs of aging. She hadn’t felt this blessed in a long time.

  A lively two-step started the dancing. Kip led her away. She threw her head back and laughed. “Wow, I can still dance.”

  “Of course, you can still dance, you have a real man leading you.” He twirled her around in a dizzying spin. The years and hurt fell away beneath the magic of twinkle lights in the trees. A slow waltz followed the two-step. He pulled her close enough that a piece of paper couldn’t be passed between them. No words were spoken. Following the dance he took her hand and settled on a bench near the dance floor.

  Without thinking she lifted her pendant and slid it back and forth along its delicate chain.

  “Is that the necklace I gave you?”

  “It is. I’ve always kept it. For a long time I didn’t take it off. I finally wrapped it in velvet and put it in my jewelry box. It seemed like the time to wear it again.”

  “We had some good times…good memories.”

  She nodded. “And tonight is perfect. This is like a dream. It’s the way things are supposed to be, isn’t it? I wish I could shake the feeling that Simon is up to no good.”

  Kip sighed into her hair. “Forget about him.” He touched the pendant with one finger and settled his hand over her heart. “I wish things could be the way we want them but…”

  “But you still don’t trust me.” A ball of pain tightened in her chest.

  Kip put his fingers to her lips. “I want to.” His hazel eyes sparked with emotion. “I want a lot of things, Dianne.” He took her face in his hands and leaned in to kiss her. The kiss began gently and built into a deep, soul-searching, tongues dancing kiss.

  Dianne sighed, her heart fluttering with hope. The hope was shattered when Kip wrenched away from her. “God, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

  Tears filled her eyes, and she shot to her feet. “No, not if you don’t trust me. You definitely shouldn’t have.”

  She strode across the room to where Jocelyn was talking to a cowboy, laughing in what Dianne recognized as her flirt mode. “Jocelyn, I’m heading out. You can stay if you want, but I’m going.”

  The cowboy—a good-looking guy a few years younger than Jocelyn—scowled but didn’t speak.

  Jocelyn turned a concerned gaze to her. “Is everything okay?”

  She gave a jerky nod. “I’m just tired. But I don’t want to spoil your fun.”

  Jocelyn slid from the barstool. “I’ll come with you.” She looked at the cowboy. “Nice meeting you. Maybe we’ll run into one another before I head back to San Francisco.” She favored him with a saucy wink that put a grin on his face.

  “‘Night, ladies. Be careful.”

  They went upstairs and gathered their things. Without saying goodbye to Kip, Dianne opened the back door and walked with long, angry strides to her car, Jocelyn keeping pace beside her.

  Chapter 16

  The drive back to the mansion was silent, as if Jocelyn knew Dianne needed a moment to sort out her thoughts.

  Once they arrived at her suite, Dianne grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and twisted off the cap, taking a long swig. Exhausted, she fell into the cushions of the loveseat. Fatigue sapped her energy.

  “So, you want to tell me about tonight?” Jocelyn asked gently.

  Dianne shook her head. “It was nothing. I just realized that Kip will never trust me.” She let out a sigh. “I’d rather talk about something else. What did you think of your first day on a working ranch?”

  Jocelyn narrowed her eyes, but didn’t press the issue. “A
t first I was completely out of my element around the animals. I hated the part where the baby cows were branded. Let me tell you those cowboys are polite, must be part of that cowboy code you told me about. I really enjoyed meeting your friends, especially Teresa. She’s thrilled to have you back. She missed you and told me each time she had a major milestone in her life the absence of you in her life felt so much bigger. I felt sorry for her because I can’t even imagine not having you in my life. And, none of those people even knew where you were or even if you were alive. Then, that drama with Simon. That was a mess.”

  “I never thought my being gone would affect anyone. Not really.”

  “Are you serious? Let’s get the elephant out of the room. Kip is nuts about you, he’s still in love with you. Why can’t you two just get over the past and start fresh?”

  “I don’t know. I want to try, but Kip doesn’t. Maybe it would be best if I just left.” She bent forward, stretching her back, and yawned. She looked toward her desk at the end of the room. “I didn’t think I left my computer running.” She got up to turn off the computer. Her eyes fell on a note propped against the screen. She gasped and dropped the water bottle.

  “What’s wrong?” Jocelyn rushed to her side.

  “Look at this. My God, he was in here! In this room.” She dropped to the desk chair and pointed to the screen. It was open to research about the scrimshaw doll. She read Simon’s note aloud, “Your cursed doll won’t help you. You will not make a fool of me ever again.”

  Jocelyn planted her hands on her hips. “That son of a bitch!”

  “When could he have been here? How did he get in?”

  “I don’t know, but we need to call Kip.”

  “No, we should call Sam.”

  “The sheriff hasn’t done anything yet. He has to wait until there’s evidence a law has been broken. Kip doesn’t.” Jocelyn picked up her cell and dialed, giving Dianne a defiant look.

  Dianne had to admit, she wanted Kip here. She would feel much safer with him around.

  Jocelyn spoke into the phone, telling Kip that Simon had been in the apartment. She listened, then hung up. “He’s on his way. He’s calling Sam.”