Page 80 of The Ranger

“Oh, dear,” Colin said. “What brought this on?”

Harrison glared at him. “Colin, you should go home.”

He stared at Harrison. “I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

Markhel stood to his full height and looked Harrison and Major over. “You are tense.”

Colin cringed. “Oh, dear, dear, dear. Maida, do me a favor and fetch your Aunt Belle, will you?”

“Yes, Uncle Colin.” She was off like a shot. He knew it was an excuse not to go into her house without Markhel, and she took it.

“What are you doing?” Harrison said aghast. “Major just told her to go inside.”

“And she did, into my house instead of yours.” Colin smiled, then gave his attention to Markhel. “I’m about to inform these gentlemen of your origins. Care to back me up?”

Major looked Markhel over from head to toe. “What are you talking about?”

Markhel nodded at Colin. “I will. But what has kept you from speaking until now?”

He shrugged. “I thought I’d have more time.”

Markhel looked longingly at his house. “Indeed, so did I.”

“Will someone kindly tell us what is going on?” Harrison groused.

Belle came onto the front porch, followed by Maida. “Colin, you’re doing this now?!”

“I’m afraid so, dearest. I should have done it a long time ago.”

“Yes, I have to agree, but wouldn’t this be easier with Vale and Makama here?”

Major handed the lead ropes to Maida. “Put the horses away, then get in the house.”

Her eyes flicked to Markhel and back. “Yes, Pa.” She walked slowly, as if she didn’t want to miss a word. But Colin had to take care of Major and Harrison first, then he’d speak with Markhel. For all he knew, he’d told Maida who and what he was today, but what did he know?

Belle stuck her hands into the pockets of her apron and drew in a shuddering breath. “Okay, where do you want to do this?”

“Do what?” Harrison asked with a suspicious tone.

“The barn,” Markhel suggested.

“Jolly good.” Colin said. “That way no one will hear Harrison’s initial screams of disbelief.”

Harrison gaped at him. “What?”

“Shall I fetch Honoria?” Belle asked.

“Not yet, love. Let’s speak to these two first, then we’ll let Vale and Makama talk to them, and finally Kwaku and Zara.”

“Okay.”

Colin took in Major and Harrison’s blank looks, then watched Maida, now halfway to the corral, gaze at Markhel with confusion. Colin waved at her and smiled. “This is old business that needs to be taken care of. Be a love and go entertain Doc and Grandma, after you put the horses away, okay?”

“Okay, Uncle Colin.” She took one last look at Markhel, then continued to the corral.

Colin breathed a sigh of relief then returned his attention to Markhel. “Sorry to spring this on you, but they were ready to ride into town and run you out of it.”

“I am sorry. Time got away from us.”

---