Page 38 of Ranch's Resolve

Adele shudders. “No, I wasn’t thinking of that kind of shelter. I was considering an animal shelter. There’s a place called The Gentle Barn. They take in farm animals who have been abused and need a soft place to rehabilitate. I’ve considered talking to my dad about transitioning the ranch into a sanctuary.”

“I think you should. That’s a brilliant idea. Especially if it's something you're interested in, I could introduce you to Caitlin if you'd like to talk to someone who has started a shelter. I know they’re different, but there are some similarities. You can discuss financing, especially how to find donors.”

“That would be helpful,” Adele said with gratitude.

“Now I want to visit the llamas. I’ve never seen them up close before.”

We spend the next hour visiting the sheep and the llamas, and I thoroughly enjoy them. I found the sheep calming and the llamas amusing. I can imagine how much the children from Crossroads will enjoy visiting Adele’s ranch. I hope we can make that happen.

“So, what’s going on between you and Ranch?” Adele asks, grinning.

I shrug. “We’re attracted to each other. I wasn’t expecting it when I visited the ranch. I wasn’t expecting him.”

“What do you mean?”

“When I mentioned wanting to find safe places for the women and children to visit so that they could get out of the complex, Caitlin suggested the ranch. I’d had success with troubled women and children visiting petting zoos. I figured a ranch would offer the same benefits.”

“What about the club? Doesn’t it bother you?”

I open my mouth to answer, but close it slowly as I consider the reason for the question.

“Were you interested in Ranch?” I ask her.

She blushes and nods. “I did. Years ago, but I couldn’t handle the club. They seemed too dangerous. I couldn’t see myself with a criminal.” When the words were out, she looked horrified. “I didn’t mean…”

My first reaction was to defend Ranch, which made me smile, considering my stance earlier today. “I understand. Believe me. Ranch and his club wear the 1% patch with pride, so I know they aren’t law-abiding. But they don’t go out of their way to break the law. They’re just not afraid to do it when it becomes necessary.” I realize I believe it.

“So, it doesn’t bother you that they break the law?”

I consider my words before responding. We’re nearing the house, so I slow my pace. I don’t want Ranch to overhear our discussion.

“My brother and cousin were members of a gang. I hated it. I was always scared that one day they’d be arrested. They no longer belong to the gang, which makes me happier than I can say. But when they were members, they purposely broke the law. They hurt people. They went out of their way to hurt people. That’s not what the Demon Dawgs are about. If they break the law, it is usually to help people. I’m not saying they don’t break the law for personal gain, but they do a lot of good, too.”

Adele nods slowly. “I guess I can see that. To be honest, I’m hoping they find whoever hurt Dad and deal with them. The cops won’t do anything. They think Dad just fell off his horse because he was old or had been drinking. Useless fuckers.”

I’m contemplating her words as we enter the house. Ranch stands to greet us, and he introduces me to Adele’s father.

“How are you feeling?” I ask him.

“I’m fine,” Roger says gruffly.

I nod. He’s uncomfortable with his weakness. Rather than focus on the injury, I focus on his healing. “Did Ranch tell you about the physical therapist we know who makes house calls?”

Roger perks up. “She makes house calls?”

“She does. She’s exceptional,” Ranch says. “I think she’s coming out here tomorrow. We can bring her over so you can meet her. She’s my brother’s Old Lady. He and others will be here tomorrow to help out.”

“Help out?” Roger asks.

“Considering what we were just discussing, don’t you think it would make sense to have a few armed men on the property to make sure whoever did that to you doesn’t come back to cause more mischief?”

Roger looks concerned as he glances at his daughter. “Maybe Adele should…”

“Stay right here and make sure nothing happens to you? Yes, I think that’s a great idea,” Adele smoothly interrupts.

Roger frowns before shaking his head and muttering something about Adele being as stubborn as her mother. Adele just grins at his grumblings.

“Let’s eat so you can hear our plans for the ranch,” Adele suggests.

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