Between Hope & the Highway Read online

  Sauntering back to my truck, I waited and watched. If the blasted woman didn’t have my siblings, I’d just leave her stranded.

  It didn’t take long to spot the traitorous wench with my brother and sister. Addie held a licorice rope in one hand while holding onto Miss Ruthersford with the other. Benny appeared to be talking nonstop, a cheesy grin on his face. I pounded my leather seat, hating how she’d wormed her way into their innocent hearts.

  When she registered the flats, her expression darkened. I chuckled and hopped out of my truck.

  “My, my. It seems you have a problem.”

  She whipped around to face me. “You!”

  Addie jerked out of Benny’s grip to clobber me with affection. I swung her around before setting her down on the asphalt. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Benny looking sulky.

  “How was the movie?” I asked.

  “Eve…uh!” Addie barked.

  I patted her head, not understanding her gibberish. “You forgot something on the side of the road,” I said to Miss Ruthersford, “so I brought it to you.”

  Her brows scrunched together.

  “Eve…uh!” Addie bellowed again.

  “You let the air out of our tires,” Benny accused.

  “Ah, that hurts, little brother. Why would you think I’d do something mean like that?” I smirked at the girl. “I just happened by and noticed your predicament. Thought I’d offer my assistance.”

  She glanced at Benny and folded her arms. “We don’t need your help.”

  I tipped my hat. “Suit yourself. I’m waiting for a client to call me back, but if you need a hand before I head off, let me know.”

  It was hard not to laugh as I climbed into my truck. When I shut my door, I glanced over to see her frowning harder than Benny. Leaning back, I pulled the brim of my hat down to shade my eyes.

  A couple minutes passed before I heard a knock on the window. Tipping my hat, I stared down at Benny, who looked like he’d eaten stinkweed. I rolled down my window.

  “How’d you like the movie, Big Ben?”

  He frowned. “Are you going to be nice to Lizzie?”

  I shrugged. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

  He scowled.

  “Would you like me to pump up the tires for your girlfriend?”

  “She’s not my girlfriend. But yes, I want you to fix what you broke.”

  “How many times do I have to tell you it wasn’t me?” Seeing doubt cloud his eyes, I slathered on the charm. “Look, I don’t want you stuck here. I’ll be over in a second with my air pump. You’re lucky I drove by and saw your predicament.”

  His expression turned skeptical. “Why do you have an air pump?”

  I’d forgotten how sharp my brother was. “I always carry one with me…along with a chain for pulling cars out of ditches in the winter. I like to be prepared.”

  I couldn’t tell if he believed me, but he sighed and motioned for me to follow. Grabbing the pump, I swaggered over to play hero and tick the girl off.

  “Eve…uh!” Addie yelled as Benny tried to wrestle her into the cab.

  “Yeah, Eva. Now get in your seat and stay put.”

  “Eve…uh!”

  I plugged the pump into the car charger and turned the ignition key. “Sit in there with her so she doesn’t run me over,” I told Ben.

  After he awkwardly climbed in, I carried the pump to the back and set it next to the tire. While the girl watched, I unscrewed the valve and inserted the end of the hose.

  “I feel like we got off to a bad start,” she said behind me. “Sorry I inadvertently stole your room and left you on the side of the road.”

  “That wasn’t inadvertent.”

  “Well, uh, no. But in my defense, you acted like a jerk.”

  I turned to glare at her. “If you’re trying to apologize, you’re failing.”

  Her lips turned pouty. “Look, I know you did this, so that makes us even.”

  I checked the pressure gauge. “When you’ve walked five miles back to the ranch, we’ll call it even.”

  She gave me her signature frown. That combined with her hair pulled back in a tight bun made her appear like a stern librarian. “Am I going to have to watch my back now?”

  “Every second. Your innocent act doesn’t fool me.”

  Her brows scrunched together.

  “Consider this your warning, Miss Ruthersford…if that’s even your name. Don’t mess with my family. I’m onto you and will be watching your every move, so you should leave while you’re ahead.”

  “You’re crazy.” She marched to the front of the truck, climbed inside, and slammed her door.

  I began filling the other tire. The girl was a good actor, I’d give her that. But maybe now that she knew I was onto her, she’d vacate our lives. Con-artists needed the element of surprise, and she didn’t have that anymore.

  Chapter 19

  Bentley

  A high-pitched trill sounded above me. Lifting my eyes to the aspens, I spotted the iridescent blue-green feathers of a male tree swallow. As he rested on the nesting box Dad had fastened to the largest tree, his white belly jutted out and he chirped, gurgled, and whined a love song. I admired his forked tail before turning back to my pail of slurry. It needed more water.

  Right step…left leg-lift, swing-out, step-down. Wince. Right step…left leg-lift, swing-out, step-down. Wince. I hobbled to the stable to fill my bucket, concentrating on being as fluid as water. Dr. Bowler and I had made dozens of goals over the last five years—the first being just to get out of bed. That had taken months to accomplish. I’d worked on walking smoothly now for over six; I didn’t notice a difference when I watched myself in a mirror, but refused to give up. I wanted to be normal.

  Placing my bucket under the tap, I filled it with water and hobbled back to my brickyard. As I stepped and dragged, stepped and dragged, another bluebird flew around the nesting box. I set my pail down and brushed my hands against my jeans. From the office-stable, my brother emerged looking angrier than a mama grizzly.

  “Hey, Rawson.” I waved.

  He marched over, slammed his fist into a tree, and released a curse worthy of the dumbest cow. “That woman is nothing but trouble.”

  “What happened?”

  He paced in front of my tarp full of drying bricks. “Dad’s gone and put her in charge. Can you believe that? He wants me to work as her apprentice.” He kicked the sand. “He’s freaking lost his mind.”

  “Lizzie has a gift with horses. I see Seth asking her for help all the time.”

  Rawson whipped around and fixed me with a glare. “That’s because he likes her. Whose side are you on anyway? Don’t you get it? Dad put a stranger over me, and a girl to boot. Next thing you know, we’ll have a collection of My Little Ponies.”

  He crouched behind a bush and put his finger to his lips as Lizzie glided out of the stable. A smile formed against my will as I watched her make her way to the indoor arena.

  Rawson hissed. “Dad lit into me like a load of buckshot, telling me to treat her with respect or he’d pull me from the horses and have me spend the winter with the cattle.” He threw his hands up and growled.

  “If you’d give her a chance, I think you’d like her.”

  “Not likely.” He took a deep breath and tousled my hair.

  “Knock it off.” I shoved his hand off.

  “You’re a good kid. I wish I was more like you.”

  “You mean with a bent neck and spastic leg.”

  As soon as I said the words, I longed to snatch them back. I’d only meant them in jest, but Rawson’s expression shattered before my eyes.

  “I’m real sorry, Benny,” he whispered.

  Ah, crud. I felt like cow crap for stirring up painful memories. “Don’t be.” When he looked away, I said, “It’s not your fault.”

  He crossed the clearing to study my buildings. “These look futuristic.”

  Why did he always change topics when we tread too close to sensitive
subjects? It’d do us a world of good to delve into them—like a dive into that pool beneath the waterfall up the canyon is medicine to my sore body after a long ride.

  “It’s Coruscant.”

  “We should watch Phantom Menace tonight to get more ideas.”

  I sighed, irritated that he only wanted to discuss trivialities. “Lizzie told me I won’t have this bent neck and crooked leg forever. She said after I die, I’ll be made whole and—”

  “What in the hell would she know about life after death?”

  I chewed my tongue. “She knows plenty since she goes to church.”

  “You don’t need that broad filling your mind with religious fairy tales.”

  Tears pooled in my eyes. “You think I’ll be like this forever?”

  “No!” He swiped a hand across his head. “We don’t know the answers to things like that. No one does.” As I rubbed more tears away, Rawson pulled me into a hug. “Come on, kid. I don’t want to talk about her anymore. She’s no good.”

  I pushed out of his arms. “Lizzie’s all good.”

  “It’s an act, little brother. She’s trying to wheedle her way into your life so she can take advantage of us.”

  “Nuh-uh.”

  “You’ll see I’m right.” He patted my back. “I just don’t want you hurt when that happens…so be careful.”

  “Be nice.”

  Rawson flicked my chin. “Am I ever anything but?”

  “You’ve definitely been a butt lately.” I waggled my brows like he did when he teased.

  He laughed and messed my hair again.

  “Gah!” I pushed him away. “Stop it.”

  “Mom needs to cut this mop so I don’t confuse you for a Wookie.”

  “Grrwrrgh,” I growled.

  His expression turned sober. “Serious, Ben. Stay away from Miss Ruthersford. Trust me on this.” He turned and walked away.

  I felt torn as I watched him go. He was the best big brother ever, but how could he make me choose between him and Liz? It was like asking me which hand I wanted chopped off. I didn’t want to lose either.

  Chapter 20

  Liz

  Laughter, the likes of which I’d never heard, diverted me from walking out the door. Turning up the hallway, I tiptoed past the parlor, following the infectious giggling that had piqued my curiosity. Was Benny playing with his sister?

  Stepping up to the arched entrance of the living room, I peeked around the corner and inhaled sharply. Benny wasn’t playing with Addie. His brother was. The arrogant man was on all fours, encouraging his sister onto his back.

  “Now don’t let go. You have to hold on tight.”

  “Tight!” Addie giggle-grunted.

  “Give your horsie a name.”

  She ran her hands through his highlighted hair. As Rawson gave her a tender look, I pulled back and stared at the wall. What the heck? I’d worked with him for over a week and had never sensed a hint of kindness. But his expression had been genuine. He wasn’t acting. As far as he knew, he had no audience. Being careful to stay out of sight, I bent to watch the baffling scene.

  “Horsie!” I winced as Addie licked her finger and stuck it in his ear.

  “Give me a neighhhm.”

  I cracked a smile. If he wasn’t such a poop, I might find the way he treated his handicapped sister sweet. But he was worse than poop. Since Larry had resigned for health reasons and Mr. Law had placed me in charge of the new horses, Rawson tempted me to swear daily. He was my assistant, but so far, he’d only added to my load and acted like the first three letters of his title. He showed up maybe half the time, and with a belligerent and argumentative attitude. Even worse, he sabotaged me at every turn. Whatever could go wrong had done so this week, and in a highly suspicious manner. The tack had been moved to the wrong pegs, a truckload of manure had spilled onto the arena, and a large pile of jump bars had also been dislodged onto the race track. Pine sap had been smeared on the insides of my riding gloves and cooking oil reeking of burnt bacon had replaced the water in my bottle. I still hadn’t rid my mouth and nose of that foul taste and odor.

  “Barf…Bayer!” I think Addie was hard of hearing. She yelled everything.

  Rawson snort-laughed. “Awesome, sis. Call me Barf.”

  “Barf!”

  I wish I could call him Barf.

  He brought her hands around his neck. “You ready for the ride of your life, cowgirl?”

  She giggle-grunted in the affirmative.

  “Hold on tight. Bucking Barf bronco is going to take you around the rodeo.”

  After checking her grip, he reared back on his knees and made the most realistic horse sounds as he waved his hands in the air like a show-off stallion. He neighed, whinnied, and pawed the carpet before covering the room on all fours in a wild bronco ride that left me envious. I’d been raised as a grown-up from the time I was born—getting pedicures, having my hair styled, and going on mall trips for fun. What would it have been like to get a ride like that instead?

  Joyful sounds rushed out of them—giggling and “Barf!” calls from Addie, and snorting laughter and incredible neighing from her brother. When he eased to a stop, he shuddered like a horse.

  “Barf’s tired. Ready to cool me off? Get the brush.”

  She climbed off his back and ran to the couch. With hairbrush in hand, she returned and started combing not only Rawson’s hair, but his face and clothes as well. He stayed on all fours and patiently let her be Addie. When she jabbed his eyes, he winced.

  “Don’t brush Barf’s eyes. Horses don’t like that crap.” Of course, he used the bad word.

  “Ship!” And his sister tried to copy him, which made him laugh.

  Addie dropped the brush and stretched out below him. She reached up to explore his face, pulling his mouth in different directions and laughing when he tried to talk through squished lips. When she stuck her fingers up his nose, he grabbed her and rolled onto his back, pulling her on top of him.

  “You want a piece of me?” he hollered, making her laugh hysterically.

  Her whole face smiled like only a Down’s child can. “Piece a me!” Her rough, invasive tickling made him roar with laughter.

  I should have left, but I couldn’t tear myself away. The precious way they interacted tugged at my heart. But Rawson chose that moment to glance over his shoulder and spot me. His scowl sucked happiness from me like an industrial strength vacuum. Our gazes locked for less than a second, but it was enough to feel his loathing flatten me like a steamroller.

  I ducked and scurried down the hallway, and once outside, I sprinted to the arena. Now he would hate me even more, though I didn’t know how that was even possible. He pretty much despised me completely already.

  Chapter 21

  Rawson

  My eyelids grew heavy as I watched the girl from my hiding spot beneath the bleachers. Even though shadows covered the indoor arena, she was still going strong. For being a lying, conniving schemer, she had an intense work ethic. What I couldn’t figure out was why she hadn’t gone to my dad and ratted me out yet. I’d been less than the ideal employee since I’d been assigned to work with her, skipping out early and pulling some kick-butt pranks. Yet she hadn’t said a word. Why?

  When she finally turned off lights for the night, I crawled out from beneath the bleachers and flipped on my flashlight. Moving to Blue Boy’s stall, I unlatched his gate and dropped one of Lizzie’s gloves in the aisle. Dad would go ballistic when he discovered that Miss Ruthersford had been careless and forgotten to lock up one of the horses.

  “What are you doing?”

  I whipped around to be blinded by the beam of another flashlight. “Oh, hi, Benny.” I shielded my eyes.

  “What are you doing?” he repeated.

  “Oh, I’m just—”

  “You’re trying to get Lizzie in trouble, aren’t you?”

  “No.” I didn’t dare fess up since he and the girl were thick as molasses. “What are you doing out here so late?”
I stepped to the side to dodge his blinding light.

  He pointed his beam at the ground. “If any horse escapes, I’ll know who to blame.” He lifted an eyebrow. “And I’ll tell Dad what I just seen.”

  Sometimes I hated how sharp my kid brother was. “I’ll double check all the gates to make certain they’re secure.”

  “Promise?”

  “I promise, big guy.” When he turned to leave, I called after him. “Ben?”

  He paused.

  “How did you know I was out here?”

  “I followed you earlier.”

  “Maybe you should be a spy when you grow up.”

  He shook his head. “Goodnight, Rawson.”

  “Night, Sherlock.”

  After I relocked the stalls, I felt too keyed up to hit the sack. I headed to my trusty hammock instead. Without the moon, darkness reigned supreme. I didn’t notice Miss Ruthersford until I was almost on top of her. Luckily, she began to speak into her phone and I slipped behind the blue spruce.

  “I know. It’s just hard.” She sniffed. “No, Daddy. I’m a big girl and can fix my own problems.”

  I smirked. Big girls didn’t call their dads Daddy.

  “I don’t want to talk about it.” She sniffled again. “No, I’m not crying. I have really bad allergies up here.”

  I’d never noticed her use so much as a Kleenex.

  “Fine. I’ll tell you. The boss’s son returned two weeks ago and he’s a big pain in the you-know-what.”

  I grinned.

  “No, he’s not hitting on me. A different kind of pain. He’s lazy, rude, and makes tons of work for me.” She huffed. “If he liked me, he might be a tiny bit nice, but I just told you—he’s a big jerk. His parents stuck me in his room and he didn’t know and came barging in— No!” she cried. “Settle down, Daddy. Of course, I was dressed.”

  I scoffed into my hand.

  “Of course not. He’s never touched me.” She sighed. “Don’t worry. Besides him, I love everything about this place. I haven’t had time to be sad.” I could almost hear her smile.

  I clenched my teeth. That wasn’t what I wanted to hear.

  “While I have you on the phone, let me fill you in on my progress.”