All Chapters of Redheads & Ranchers: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

Chapter 62: Not CrazyBrilliant sunlight reflects in the ripples on the lake's surface, like a million twinkling fireflies. As Jenny walks along, the wooden slats of the dock feel warm beneath her bare feet. A summer breeze ruffles her red hair and kisses her skin. Her swimsuit is dry—she hasn't been in the water yet.Chelsea's brown curls bounce as she precedes Jenny toward the end of the dock. The place is familiar, though Jenny's never been here before. The sun is just warm enough that she's looking forward to splashing into the cool, clear water.As they get closer to the end of the dock, Jenny admires Chelsea's swimsuit. It's a red two-piece, and it looks perfect with her dark hair. Chelsea pauses where the dock ends, gazing out over the water, waiting for Jenny to get there, too. There's something on Chelsea's shoulder, though. Jenny squints, trying to see what it is. As she steps closer, she makes out an area of raised skin on the back of Chelsea's right shoulder. It

Chapter 64: Family Although the temperature was average for a spring afternoon, the sun was hot. Cole straightened up from the fence he'd been repairing and took off his hat, waving it to fan his sweat-drenched face. From the small cooler in the truck, he retrieved a chilled bottle of water and made his way toward the shade of a tree a couple dozen yards away. As he sank down to sit at the base of the tree and chugged down half the water, the air immediately felt about ten degrees cooler. He'd been out checking the fence line all afternoon. After working together at the barn that morning, Jenny had stayed home after lunch. She was apparently planning something special for dinner.Cole grinned to himself. Whatever she made, he was sure it would be delicious. She seemed to have a natural gift.He considered the funny way things turn out sometimes. He hadn't been looking for anyone. He'd had his head down, busy building a thriving business. But now he couldn't imagine life wi

Chapter 66: Will They Like Me?For what felt like the thousandth time, Jenny checked her reflection in the bathroom mirror. After mucking out the old hay and putting fresh feed in the stalls, she'd returned to the house to shower and get ready to meet Cole's family. Wanting more than anything to make a good impression, she'd donned the only dress she had, the white one with tiny purple flowers that Cole had gotten for her. She'd also braided her red hair over her right shoulder, the way Cole seemed to like it.Cole was outside preparing the grill for the steaks they'd be having for dinner. But Jenny wasn't sure she'd be able to eat. She felt queasy with anxiety, knowing they'd be arriving any minute. There were sure to be questions. And she'd decided that she'd push herself to speak to them. Remaining mute felt like she was allowing Victor to continue holding her hostage. Then there was the fact that Cole had told her Beth and Alicia had assumed he'd met Jenny online and he

Chapter 68: Familiar DetailsVacillating between dread and relief, Cole leaned down to kiss Jenny's forehead then headed downstairs. Beth followed him closely."So what gives? You haven't been straight with me."Cole bypassed the den, heading instead for his office and the bottle of Jim Beam there. He poured for them both without asking, handing a glass to his sister before he sank into his leather desk chair.Beth took the chair across the desk. "Where did you really meet Jenny?"Taking a slug of bourbon, he closed his eyes, immediately picturing Jenny that first night, her face beaten to a pulp."She hid in my horse trailer about a month ago. She was running away from somebody who'd beat her all to shit."Beth absorbed the information. "And does she do this a lot?" She nodded to the upstairs.Cole shook his head. "No. This is only the second time. I think maybe the storm set her off. That and your work stories."She laughed humorlessly. "Sure, blame it on me.""It's not w

Chapter 70: Surveillance and the TruthEnsconced in the stand of trees across from the Caldwell property, Russo sent up the drone, watching carefully as the device flew across the street and over the fence. Increasing its elevation, he flew it over the stand of trees that blocked his view from the road. Beyond the trees, Russo saw a house to the south and a barn a few hundred yards to the north. Horses grazed in a fenced paddock between the barn and the road. For the time being, no people were visible. He wondered if he should recall the device and keep it charged, then check again in an hour or so. Just then, two figures emerged from the house and moved in the direction of the barn. Fearing that they might hear the drone in spite of its promised silent flight, Russo increased the elevation but zoomed in the camera.Peering at his screen, he was disappointed to see they were the women he'd seen the previous day, the ones in the blue hybrid. He shook his head irritably. Betwe