Page 92 of Roaring Fork Wrangler

“Me too. It’s one of so many unanswered questions.” He turned me in his arms, and we looked out at the view. “I can’t figure out how or when she met my dad. More puzzling is why she’d want to be with him.”

“Maybe he was different with her.”

Cord rested his head against mine. “Maybe.”

I heard a car coming up the drive and was stunned to see my mom. “That was quick,” I said when she got out and rushed over to us.

“I was afraid you’d change your mind. Hi, Cord.”

“Hey, Patricia. Should we get inside?”

“One sec. Uh, Mom, Cord asked me to go to Colorado with him. It’ll be a quick trip, but we might leave as soon as tonight.”

She put her hand on her heart. “I envy that trip. I’ve always wanted to see the Rockies. Maybe someday I will.” She winked at Cord.

“Yes, ma’am. I predict you definitely will.”

“Do you think Dad will mind if I take more time off?” I asked.

She chuckled. “I’m pretty sure he fired you weeks ago.”

I gasped.“What?”

“I’m joking. All your dad wants is for you to be happy, sweetheart. I’m sure your job will still be there when and if you want to come back.”

When we walked into the library, Sam’s gaze met mine. “Did you find something?” I asked.

“Maybe.” All eyes turned to her. “Remember I asked if everyone called Jimmy and Johnny’s father JD?”

“Yes.”

“I also said I got confused because it sounded like she didn’t care for him.”

“I remember that too.”

“Reading it again now, I’m certain she didn’t.” She handed me the journal, and I read the section she pointed to.

I used to think I was cursed, and maybe I am or maybe it’s all Rookers. Bad blood runs deep in our veins. Lives have been lost, others ruined. When will it stop? When will Jim stop? When there are none of us left?

“I was confused because this entry was from after her brother and husband died. Why wouldshe ask when Jim would stop if that was the case?” Sam said when I finished reading the passage and looked up at her.

“This has to be about JD.”

“And look at the date.”

It coincided with when Patricia might’ve discovered she was pregnant.

“We should let Decker know about this,” said Gray.

“You’re right.”

I held out the journal, and he took a photo of the entry, then sent it. When he returned it to me, I kept reading. Most of the entries were reminiscent, but several pages later, there was one with only a few words and dated at the end of June.

It is finished. I pray I’ve done the right thing.

28

CORD

---