Page 36 of Ranch's Resolve

“What do you say, Santiago? Does that sound like fun?” Adele asks. “You could also pet the llamas and sheep. They’re very friendly.”

Carlos squeezes Santiago’s shoulder. Santiago nods and smiles at Adele.

“Could I come, too?” Athena asks. She’s practically bouncing with excitement at the prospect.

Adele chuckles. “Of course. I love showing off the ranch, and the animals love visitors. Maybe you could bring Santiago over in the morning?”

“I can do that,” Athena eagerly agrees.

“I should probably get going. I don’t want to leave Dad home alone for too long, and I need to make him dinner,” Adele says.

“Do you need a ride home?” I ask.

“No, thank you. I have the UTV.”

“I’d like to come over and talk to Roger if he feels up to company,” I say.

“Why don’t you and Athena come over for dinner? I’m making stuffed pork chops. I have plenty.”

I glance at Athena, who nods in agreement.

“Great, I’ll grab some wine, and we’ll be over soon,” I tell Adele as she climbs behind the wheel of her all-terrain.

I wrap my arm around Athena and wave as Adele drives away. Turning, I see Carlos standing with Max and Santiago.

“Why don’t you take your son inside?” I suggest to Carlos.

Once Carlos and Santiago are safely back inside the bunkhouse, I turn to Max, who is practically ready to explode.

“Who’s Carlos, and why is he here? With a kid?” Max asks.

“Carlos made a mistake, and he’s working here to clear his debt with the club,” I tell Max. I don’t expand on the details because I don’t want Max to know Carlos was part of the attack the previous night. “Axel and Simon will take turns guarding him. I don’t think he’ll pull any shit, especially with his son being here.”

“You’re sure this is a good idea?” Max asks, and I know he has doubts. What Max doesn’t realize is that Carlos knows his fate if he fucks up.

“I think he deserves a second chance,” I tell Max. “However, if you see him acting suspiciously or if he isn’t carrying his weight, tell me. I’m giving him a chance to redeem himself. I’m not giving him a chance to cause trouble.”

I drive through the gates of Blanchard Ranch and pull up outside Adele’s home. I grin at Athena, who is bouncing around with avid excitement as she takes in all the animals. On our left is the paddock holding the llamas, while on the right are the sheep. The llamas stand near the fence, chewing their cud as they watch us drive by. The sheep are further away and almost look like rocks in the fields, that is, until they move.

When we exit the SUV, Adele steps outside to greet us. “Dad is inside and waiting to talk to you. I can take Athena for a quick tour while you guys chat.”

I nod my thanks and leave the women to their tour. After a quick knock on the door, I open it and let myself in. Roger’s home is several years older than mine. It was once a simple ranch house, but their family has extended it over the years. The open floor plan emerged during the house's renovation.

“Ranch. Didn’t expect to see you here. Who’s that with you?” Roger greets me from his recliner. He’s wearing sweatsand has his leg perched up. He looks frailer than I remember. The accident and his time in the hospital zapped some of his hardiness.

“That’s Athena. She’s my woman. She has ties to Crossroads and wants to start a program where the mothers and children visit ranches and spend time with the animals. She’s a psychologist and believes nature has healing capabilities. I think she’s trying to talk Adele into letting the kids come here to visit the goats and pigs.”

Roger nods in agreement. “I can attest that being around the animals helps the mind and soul heal. It would be great to see children around here again. However, I’m unsure about its safety. At least right now. I take it you heard what happened to me?”

“That’s why I’m here. I understand you got an offer on the land and refused to sell just before someone spooked your horse. I think the same asshole called me. When I told him to fuck off, he sent someone to attack me and burn down my barn.”

Roger sits up straighter. “Fuck. If they come here…”

I hold my hand up. “I’ve asked my brothers and ranch hands to stay here and guard the grounds. We’ll make sure you and Adele stay safe. We’re looking for the man behind this. Tell me what you know.”

Roger looks relieved as he dives into his tail. “I got the first call about two weeks ago. It wasn’t a hard sell. The man stated that he represented a potential buyer interested in purchasing a large tract of land near the border. He made some comments that led me to believe that he thought I’d be grateful to sell. I think the buyer believed we were constantly defending our ground from hordes of immigrants stampeding their way over the border.”

I snort because that was the same impression I had when the first offer came through. “Let me guess, he lowballed you?”Roger nods. “He did the same to me. I laughed and told him I wasn’t interested. He called back with a better offer a few days later.”

---