Page 21 of The Sound of Sleighbells

“Thanks, friend,” Digger said. “You’ve saved my life a second time. I could’ve frozen to death out here. Now, I know you’ll be busy with work, and I don’t mean to put you out any. But if there’s anything I can do to earn my keep, just let me know. I don’t want to wear out my welcome.”

To Judd’s way of thinking, his old friend had already worn out his welcome. The challenge would be making sure his stay didn’t last too long. “Good night, Digger,” he said. “Make yourself comfortable in the bunkhouse.”

“Thanks again, buddy. I’ll owe you big-time.”

“Forget it.” Judd turned and walked toward the house. Glancing back from the porch, he saw the lights come on in the bunkhouse. Everything appeared to be under control. But he’d be a fool to lower his guard.

In bed, he lay staring into the darkness as thoughts clashed in his mind. What if he hadn’t struck the blow that had killed a man and sent him to prison? Would Digger have lived to become a petty criminal? And what about the man who’d died? What would have become of the life he’d lost?

But these were questions without answers. Only the present could be controlled. Digger could be lying—just as that fancy motorcycle of his could be stolen. If his former friend was on the run, Judd could be found guilty of harboring a fugitive. He could end up back in prison. He could lose everything.

In the morning, after the workday had started, he would make a discreet call to Sheriff Buck Winston, alert him that Digger was here, and ask him to do some checking. If Digger was on the level, then no harm would be done. If he was on the wrong side of the law . . .

Judd exhaled and rolled onto his side. Tomorrow would be a busy day, with work to be done on the saddles. Having Digger here would only add to the pressure. And the boys would be coming to work on the harness.

Ruth would be dropping off Skip. If Digger were to see and recognize her, that could be awkward for all concerned. Digger wouldn’t be above taking advantage of their shared past.

* * *

The next morning, Judd was measuring coffee after a sleepless night when the phone rang. He was surprised to hear Jess Chapman’s voice.

“Hello, Judd. I hope I didn’t wake you, but I thought I’d better let you know. Trevor woke up with a nasty cold this morning. He really wanted to work on the harness, but I’m keeping him at home for now. He needs to rest, and I don’t want him giving that cold to anybody else.”

“Sorry, Jess, that’s too bad. Thanks for letting me know. Oh—did you happen to call Ruth? She was supposed to drop Skip by this morning.”

“I tried. But there was no answer. She’s probably on the road.”

“Thanks. I’ll watch for her.”

Judd hung up the phone. If Ruth was on the road, she should be here soon. He could watch for her, but a better idea would be to go and look for her. Skip probably wouldn’t want to work without Trevor. If he could stop Ruth on her way here and turn them back, that would lessen the chance of her meeting Digger.

Pulling on his coat and gloves, he grabbed his keys and headed out the door.

As he crossed the yard, he saw that his two hired men had arrived and were parked out back taking care of the stock. So far, there was no sign of Digger. He was probably asleep. But his bike was under the open shed. It was, as Judd had guessed, a high-end Yamaha, probably expensive. He’d try to get its serial number before he called the sheriff. But right now, he needed to head off Ruth.

He was about to get into the truck when she drove in through the gate and pulled up to the house. Skip climbed out of the passenger door.

By then, Judd had reached them. Ruth lowered the side window. She looked fresh and pretty, her cheeks pink with cold. The girls were bundled into their booster seats, a blanket laid over them for extra warmth.

“I hope we’re not too early,” she said. “Skip was anxious to start on that harness.”

“I was just about to come and find you,” Judd said. “Jess called me a few minutes ago. Trevor’s got a bad cold. He won’t be coming this morning. So Skip might want to make other plans.”

“No, I want to stay,” Skip said. “I can work alone. I know what to do. If I leave, the harness won’t be ready in time for the parade.”

Judd sighed. “All right. But I won’t have time to help you. I’ll be busy with the saddles.”

“That’s fine,” Skip said. “You showed us a lot yesterday. I’ll just have to do Trevor’s side of the harness as well as mine.”

“Then it’s okay with me, as long as it’s all right with your mother.” Judd looked down at Ruth and caught the worried expression on her face. Maybe she didn’t want to leave her son alone with an ex-convict. “It’s your call, Ruth,” he said. “If he stays, I’ll drive him home.”

He could sense her hesitation, but she nodded. “All right. I can tell he really wants to stay. If there’s any trouble, let me know.”

“Mom, there won’t be any trouble,” Skip protested. “I’m here to work.”

“Don’t worry, Ruth. He’ll be fine.” Judd couldn’t help wondering if Digger was awake and whether he was watching. The sooner he got Ruth off the ranch, the better. “I’ll take it from here, so you can be on your way,” he said. “Be careful on the roads.”

“I’ll be fine.” She raised the window. Judd stepped back, giving her space to turn the vehicle around. He exhaled with relief as she drove out of the gate and disappeared down the lane. At least Digger hadn’t come out to talk over old times. Judd understood why she might want to put the past behind her, especially for her children’s sake. He owed it to her to protect her privacy—and to protect her son.

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