Dylan rested one booted ankle on the opposite one. So, whats your next move?
Sawyer took another mouthful of the crisp beer, letting it slide its way down his throat. Get to know them. See if I can find a way in. Getting her to confide in me would be best.
Is she plain? Is she mousy? Dylan gave him a critical once-over. Youre a decent-looking guy, maybe you can romance the information out of her.
Shes a bombshell. At least, she was in D.C. Shes downplaying it out here. But Im sure she still has plenty of offers. It occurred to Sawyer that one of the resident Colorado cowboys might already have his eye on her. That would add yet another barrier.
Might be your best bet, said Dylan.
Sawyer frowned at his friend. Romancing a woman to get information from her? Thats pretty callous, even for a guy with my genetic make-up.
Plus, if shes a knockout, what chance would you have?
Sawyer gave a snort. I can get dates.
Sure, in D.C., where they know youre a Layton. Im talkin about out here, on your own, where women dont know youre a rich, connected guy.
Im not worried.
Not that he had any immediate interest in testing the theory with Niki or anyone else. His only goal was the diary. That would be his laser focus.
Niki knew she had to come clean with her brothers. She couldnt fool herself any longer, pretending it was okay to keep such an important secret. Though her mother would turn over in her grave at the thought of Niki taking such an unnecessary risk. In fact, Niki could actually hear Gabriellas voice inside her head, calling her a fool for giving up her advantage.
Shut up, she said out loud, briskly rubbing her freshly washed hair with a towel.
She tossed the towel on a chair in the corner of the bedroom, then ran a comb through her short hair, scrutinizing herself in the mirror above the dresser as she worked. She had to admit, this was the easiest cut shed ever worn. A quick comb through, and it dried on its own. It was just wavy enough to have body, but stayed pretty much in place through humidity or rain showers.
She stepped into a pair of comfortable jeans, then slipped her arms into a flannel shirt. She didnt even bother with a bra or socks. The lifestyle in Lyndon Valley was exceedingly casual.
The weather was sultry warm tonight, so she knew shed find Caleb, Mandy, Reed and Katrina relaxing on the back deck.
If Caleb and Mandy were lucky, little Asher would be asleep, and thered be time for an iced tea and some adult conversation. The river would rush by, and the crickets would chirp, and the scent of pine would flow down from the hillsides. On nights like this, Niki couldnt seem to imagine going home.
As the picture bloomed in her mind, her resolve to come clean began to waver. Maybe the confession could wait. After all, it had been three months already, what was another few days or weeks?
She had a deep-down fear of being rejected by her brothers, and she hadnt formulated a plan of what shed do if Reed and Caleb kicked her out. Returning to D.C. and resuming her studies at GW was out of the question.
She was genuinely afraid of the men who saw her as a potential blackmailer. Not that shed even think of blackmailing anyone. Even if she needed the money, shed never commit a crime. And she would have happily told them all thatif shed had any earthly idea of who they were. She remembered a few first names, but otherwise her mother had kept her romantic entanglements to herself and never shared the details with Niki. Perhaps her mom had been trying to protect her even then?
Yes, Niki was safest if she kept silent. But on the other hand, she shouldnt take the easy way out. Reed and Caleb had been so kind and so generous, they deserved to know exactly who they were helping.
She squared her shoulders in determination, leaving the bedroom and making her way to the staircase that led to the main floor. She tried to imagine how the conversation would go. Reed was a big, imposing man, but he was unfailingly fair and gentle. Certainly hed been sympathetic to Niki so far, and shed never once seen him raise his voice at Katrina or anyone else. Caleb was thoughtful, smart and doggedly determined. He worked hard and expected the same of the people around him.
Both of her brothers had high standards for themselves and everyone else. And she was fairly certain her behavior wouldnt have met those high standards. Would they merely be disappointed? Would they understand on any level? Would they be angry?
She shuddered at the thought of making either of them angry. Nor did she want to disappoint them, either. But their understanding might be too much to hope for under the circumstances.
Maybe if shed been honest with them from the start. But back then theyd been strangers to her. And she hadnt dared share her secret with anyone in the world.
Now, as she cut the corner on the living room, she tried desperately to muster her courage. But as she pulled open the glass door to the deck, a heavy weight settled over her chest. Her heart struggled through deep beats, and her palms turned moist.
It was almost anticlimactic to find Katrina alone outside. She was lounging in one of the comfortable, padded chairs that overlooked a few lighted staff cabins near the river. The hills were black, and a million stars were scattered in the sky.
Where is everybody? Niki asked, half relieved, half distressed at having to wait even longer to bare her soul.
In the barn. Lame horse. The vets out there.
Is everything okay?
Its not serious, said Katrina. Just interesting. She paused. For them.
Despite herself, Niki couldnt help but smile at Katrinas grimace. It was no secret that while the rest of the Terrell and Jacobs families were horse crazy, Katrina was afraid of the animals.
Katrina pointed to a bottle of merlot on the table in front of her. Join me? Im on Asher duty. She glanced up at an open, second-floor window.
Sure. Alcohol sounded like a good idea. Maybe putting off the confession wasnt the worst thing in the world. There was every chance it would be easier after a glass of wine.
Katrina rose, selecting a second glass from the table and pouring the deep, red liquid.
Then she turned and paused on Nikis expression. Everything okay?
Nikis stomach tightened. Its fine. Why?
Katrina handed her the glass. For a second there, you reminded me of Reed.
You think I look like Reed? Niki sure hoped not. While Reed was a ruggedly handsome man, he was all male, totally masculine.
Every once in a while, I can see it around the eyes, and the way you purse your lips. He does that when hes worried. Katrina considered her for a long moment. It reminds me that he inherited some things from his father.
I really dont see a resemblance between us, Niki responded honestly.
Shed searched each of her brothers features on more than one occasion, and shed never been able to identify any similarities.
Katrina eased back down into her chair, gesturing for Niki to take the seat next to her. Its more an expression than a specific feature. But dont tell Reed he looks anything like his father. She tossed back her hair and took a sip of her wine.
Niki followed suit, letting the warmth of the alcohol flow through her stomach and send an almost instant shot of relaxation into her veins.
Niki followed suit, letting the warmth of the alcohol flow through her stomach and send an almost instant shot of relaxation into her veins.
I doubt Id get the chance, said Niki. They never say much about Wilton.
She hadnt wanted to pry, and aside from pointing their father out in a couple of pictures, and having initially expressed their complete and utter disbelief that he might have cheated on their mother, both Reed and Caleb had kept their thoughts to themselves.
They never will, Katrina said softly, her eyes clouding.
I take it you know why?
I do. Its complicated. They had a very strained relationship.
Niki was sorry, if not completely surprised to hear it. There was obvious tension whenever Wilton was mentioned.
Does it hurt them to have me here? she couldnt help but ask.
What? Katrina seemed surprised by the question. No. Of course not. This is your home.
Niki gave a sad smile at the irony. Its not my home. Im little more than a stranger to you all.
No more a stranger than I am, said Katrina.
You were born here, Niki returned. Your sisters and brothers are here.
So are yours.
Its not the same thing.
The idea that Katrina could ever be considered a stranger to the Jacobs and Terrell families was preposterous. Even if she had spent many years at boarding school in New York City, Katrina had been the youngest Jacobs daughter her entire life. Everybody knew her. Everybody loved her.
I spend most of my life away from here, said Katrina, continuing to sip her way through the glass of wine.
Niki was grateful, but she wasnt buying it. I appreciate you trying to make me feel better.
Thats not what Im doing. Well, maybe a little bit. Its obvious somethings wrong. Are you feeling bad because you dont know much about Wilton?
I dont need to know much. Niki downplayed her curiosity. She desperately wished she knew more about her father, good or bad.
The negativity and complexity have nothing to do with you.
Whatever it is, I can handle it. The assertion was out of Nikis mouth before she realized it put Katrina in an awkward position.
Im sorry, she quickly added. I didnt mean
He was a cold, brutal man, Katrina told her. Her expression somber.
Brutal? He beat them?
By todays standards, absolutely. But mostly, he was just plain nasty. He worked them into the ground, no empathy, no sympathy. Because of his temper, their mother died of pneumonia.
Niki had learned earlier that Sasha had died when Reed and Caleb were seventeen.
The poor woman was so utterly afraid of Wilton, that she never told anyone how sick she was feeling.
Niki swallowed.
Reed and Caleb both blamed Wilton for her death. To this day, they say he killed her. Back then, Caleb walked out, while Reed stayed to fight.
I had no idea, Niki whispered, feeling a little numb.
Katrina topped up their glasses. Of course you didnt.
Niki gazed at the dark liquid. She couldnt help thinking about her own mother, Gabriellas rather calculating, manipulative character. Nice genetics Ive got going here.
Katrina tossed her blond hair. The genetics havent done Reed any harm, nor Caleb, nor you.
Niki fought against the urge to confess who she was and what she was doing here. She might not beat anyone, but she certainly wasnt a very good person.
My opinion, said Katrina. Wilton was a phenomenon. All that bad blood running through his system, but he produced terrific kids. And youre part of the living proof.
I wish I was, said Niki, her stomach cramping with guilt.
Katrina touched her hand. Youre looking like Reed again.
Niki struggled to smooth out her features, but the compassion in Katrinas eyes was more than she could bear. She had to tell her. She opened her mouth to speak.
Im going to make it better, Katrina vowed, carrying on before Niki had a chance to explain. Heres what were going to do. I was planning to go through the attic soon, to pick out some of Reeds things for the new house. You can help me. Who knows what well find out about your heritage up there.
Niki closed her mouth. It was tempting, so incredibly tempting to learn more about her biological family. But to do that, shed have to postpone her confession. And that meant Gabriella won againalways a dangerous thing.
Niki gave her better principles one final effort. I dont want to invade Reed and Calebs privacy. If theyd rather I didnt
Thats not going to be a problem. Katrina waved a dismissive hand.
They dont seem to want me to know, Niki added.
They dont want to talk about it, said Katrina. That doesnt mean they dont want you to know. Trust me on this.
Trust you on what? came Reeds voice as he opened the sliding door.
Girl talk, Katrina responded easily. Nikis going to help me in the attic.
Yeah? asked Reed. You got an extra glass with that bottle of wine?
Absolutely, said Katrina with a broad, rather satisfied smile, gesturing to one of the tables. Then she gave a conspiratorial wink in Nikis direction.
Reed hadnt said no, Niki told herself. Hed barely reacted at all. Basically, hed given her permission to snoop in his attic.
She took another sip of her wine, knowing she couldnt bring herself to turn down the opportunity. The truth would have to wait a couple more days. What could it hurt?
Three
Sawyers Uncle Charles was chomping at the bit. A four-term senator, hed had people snapping to attention for so many years, hed long since lost any ability to summon patience.
In the ranch yard, Sawyers tone was laced with disgust as he said as much to Dylan. He doesnt see why I cant march across the highway, slam Niki up against a wall and demand she hand over the diary.
The mere thought of anyone putting a hand on Niki or any woman in anger, infuriated Sawyer.
Subtlety was never his strong suit, Dylan responded, tightening the cinch on a bay gelding. The two men were outside the main barn, where Dylan was gearing up for a ride to survey the upper pastures. But I do agree with the part where you march across the highway. Youre not going to learn anything hangin around here with me.
I was over there just yesterday. Im trying to play it cool.
There are a million excuses you can use to go back.
Like what? Borrow a cup of sugar?
Dylan grinned. Sometimes, I dont get why people pay you to investigate for them.
He freed the reins from the saddle horn. Tell the Terrells you have a horse with a hot hock. Borrow some antibiotics until you can get into the vets office. Or ask for the name of their vet. Or, hey, if you want to actually be useful, then find out where they hire their hands. Maybe they know of somebody who could be an assistant manager, help me out here. He mounted his horse.
Sawyer had to admit, those were all good suggestions.
Or, Dylan finished, reining the gelding in a circle. Pretend you like the woman. A lovesick calf would be expected to turn up all the time, on the flimsiest of excuses.