A Montana Cowboy by Rebecca Winters Page A

Daniel, Ned is still convinced there’s oil under all our ranches. On his last birthday three weeks ago, he came into his inheritance. The second he hears that you’ve put the Rafferty ranch on the market, he’ll forget his idea to go in on a feral stud farm with Owen, and use the money to buy your ranch. In his sick mind, he’ll want it so he can drill for oil and be wealthier than anyone. Then Sadie will want him.”
    â€œThat’s really sick, Jarod.”
    â€œYou don’t know the half of it.”
    â€œJarod’s right,” Zane said. “In my mind Ned is a sociopath. Maybe he didn’t kill Logan. That I have yet to discover. But he tried to kill Jarod.”
    â€œI know. Last night Cassie told me about the therapy sessions. They revealed that Ned has always hated her.”
    â€œHe’s been jealous of his sister and brothers, my cousins, and me for as long as I’ve known him,” Jarod murmured.
    Trace eyed both men. “I can tell she’s afraid.”
    Zane grimaced. “With good reason.”
    Jarod said, “The other day Grandfather told me and Connor that according to Uncle Grant, Ned has been a model patient and his doctors feel he’s ready to come home for good. But none of us believes it. There’s something wrong in Ned’s nature. If he gets upset, he’ll go after anyone who gets in his way.”
    â€œAfter what happened to Logan, Cassie has to be terrified,” Trace said.
    â€œThat’s why Uncle Grant has always been afraid of Ned. We have a situation we’re going to have to handle.” Jarod got to his feet. “Sorry to have held you up, Zane, but I felt this was important for you to hear.”
    â€œIt’s vital,” Zane replied. “If you’re intent on selling the ranch, Trace, get it done discreetly by private sale. Hopefully Ned won’t find out about it until long after it’s a fait accompli. As for Cassie, she knows she’ll always have a home with us.”
    â€œOr me or Connor,” Jarod exclaimed. “Now that she’s pregnant, she’s going to need family. We’re all going to have to help keep her safe.”
    Trace got to his feet. “You two have given me a lot to think about.”
    Zane walked them outside. “Let’s keep in close touch from here on out. Now that you’re retired from the Air Force, I know Avery wants to give a party to welcome you home.”
    â€œThat sounds terrific.”
    â€œWords can’t tell you how sorry we are about your eye injury.”
    â€œIt’s nothing compared to the many guys who’ve lost lives.”
    Trace waved Zane off before they drove away and headed for Jarod’s house. The conversation had increased his fears for Cassie’s welfare. Jarod slanted him a piercing glance.
    â€œWith you back, it feels like the circle is complete once more.”
    Emotion thickened his throat. “It’s great being with you again, Jarod. I’d forgotten just how much I’ve missed my oldest friends.”
    â€œThen prove it and stay put.” He got out of the truck. “We’ll talk again soon.”
    â€œYup. Tell Sadie hi for me.”
    Trace drove back to the ranch, hoping Cassie was still up. There was a lot he needed to say to her. But when he walked inside, it was quiet and he knew she’d gone to bed. After talking with Jarod and Zane, he could see things were more complicated than he would have imagined. Nothing was black-and-white.
    When he got ready for bed, he remembered what his doctor had said about working things out with Nicci before he made any decisions. Trace fell asleep frustrated that she hadn’t called him today. His last thoughts were of Jarod telling him to stay put.
    * * *
    L ATE S UNDAY MORNING he came awake to the smell of strawberries drifting through the house. Cassie was at it again. He was glad she hadn’t gone anywhere yet. He was glad