Houston's Hope: A clean cowboy romantic suspense (The Brothers of Copper Pass Book 4)

  Houston’s Hope

  The Brothers of Copper Pass, Book 4

  Cynthia Hickey

  Copyright © 2020 Cynthia Hickey

  Published by: Winged Publications

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  No part of this book may be copied or distributed without the author’s consent.

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN:

  Chapter 1

  Hope Jennings slammed the trunk to her older model sedan that contained everything she most wanted to save. Then, she jumped into the driver’s seat and sped toward the last place she’d felt happy, the last place she’d felt safe, Copper Pass.

  After the death of her parents in a car accident, she’d gone to live with an aunt in Colorado Springs. Now the aunt was dead of a jogging accident. Hope didn’t believe it for one second. As the sole beneficiary of her aunt’s estate, she feared an “accident” might now happen to her.

  On the seat beside her lay the want ads she’d printed off her computer. If all went her way, she’d be an employee at the Rocking 7 Ranch. She’d read the accounts of the last year’s mishaps there. If she could be safe anywhere, she’d be safe there. Now to hope they’d hire an out-of-work nanny.

  She spent the night in a roadside motel, propping the single straight back chair under the door handle. After making sure all the windows were locked, she curled up on the hard mattress and willed herself to sleep.

  Not an easy task. Her mind replayed the discovery of her aunt’s broken body at the bottom of a ravine. Aunt Lou never jogged. The arthritis in her hips wouldn’t allow such a pastime. How could the local authorities believe such a lie?

  Tears spilled down her cheeks, soaking the thin pillow under her head. She didn’t want her aunt’s money, she wanted her aunt alive, telling ribald jokes just to shock Hope. She wanted to eat her overcooked spaghetti and charred bacon. She wanted justice in Aunt Lou’s death and didn’t know how to go about getting it without solid proof that her aunt’s third husband had a hand in her death.

  The next morning, she drove without stopping until reaching the town of Copper Pass. There, she rented a room in the only motel and sat at the small round table to write Houston Armstrong a letter.

  Dear Houston,

  I don’t know if you remember me since I was two years behind you in school, but I’m writing to apply for the position of girl’s supervisor for your ranch to help troubled, underprivileged youth. I spent the last ten years as a nanny for two children, ages eight and ten. In addition to that, I was part of the big sister program in Colorado Springs and have a degree in social work and psychology. I’ve attached references.

  I’m staying at the motel in town, room twelve. My phone number is below. I’d be very excited to meet with you for an interview and eagerly await your reply.

  She hoped she didn’t sound too eager, but she really needed this job. Chewing the end of her pen, she realized she didn’t have a whole lot more to say. She’d send the letter as an email, but writing it out first helped her think. Maybe she should refresh his memory of that timid girl he helped on the side of the road.

  I grew up in Copper Pass on the south side of the tracks. Do you remember that girl in pigtails who got stuck on the tracks? At risk of yourself, you fought to free my foot as a train loomed on the horizon. I’ve never forgotten that day or you. My parents died shortly after that and I went to live with my aunt. She’s gone now and I’ve returned in hopes of a new future where my life began.

  She wanted to tell him she was in trouble and that he had been her knight in shining armor once. Would he be what she needed again?

  She typed the letter on her laptop and hit send. She didn’t expect a reply by morning, but fell asleep with anticipation bubbling inside her.

  When she woke, she did have a response and read with trembling fingers Houston’s reply.

  Of course, I remember you. How could I forget something so traumatic? I felt like a hero when I lifted you in my arms and rolled out of the path of that train. Can you come by this afternoon at one? I’d love to speak to you about the position. Your references seem in order. It’s my hope that the ranch will be just what you need.

  At ten minutes until one, Hope stood on the sprawling front porch of the Rocking 7 Ranch and pressed the doorbell. A curly, redhaired woman in a yellow apron answered the door. “Good afternoon. Welcome to the ranch. I’m Carly.”

  “Hello. Would you please tell Houston that Hope is here for her interview?”

  Carly laughed and tossed over her shoulder, “Houston, your Hope is here. He told us all about you.” She winked and opened the door wide enough for Hope to enter. “Come in at your own risk. Every time a pretty girl steps foot on this ranch for a job, trouble follows.”

  The blood ran from Hope’s face to her feet. The smiling woman had no idea how close to the truth she was.

  ~

  The skinny girl he’d saved had turned into a beautiful woman. Cornsilk hair tied back in a ponytail. A straight skirt that stopped just above cute knees and shapely calves. A simple white blouse that highlighted bright blue eyes. Houston smiled. “Welcome, Hope, come to my office, please. It’s good to see you again.”

  He waited for her to step beside him, wondering at the fear in her eyes. No one had ever thought him scary before, unless he got mad. Which took a while, but then his mother said folks needed to watch out.

  In his office, he motioned for her to sit, then took a seat behind his desk. Steepling his fingers, he asked, “Why do you want to work here?”

  She took a deep breath. “I’m qualified, I enjoy kids, and it’s the most beautiful place in town to spend work hours. Plus, it said a room was included as part of the salary. I won’t have to look for a place to live.”

  He laughed. “You’re honest, I’ll give you that. It will be hard work. Some of these kids will carry burdens we can only imagine.”

  “I’m up to it.” She hiked up her chin.

  “Alright. Let me introduce you to my mother.” As the best judge of character he knew, his mother would know right off if there was anything about Hope that should keep him from hiring her. He’d already let her look over the references that morning. He stood. “Ready for the second part of the interview?”

  “Should I be worried?”

  “She’s tougher than I am.” He grinned.

  He led Hope to the kitchen where Carly and his mother worked at cooking lunch for the family. They still had a couple of days before guests arrived. Next week the first group of kids would descend on the ranch. They had three days full of interviews. Stetson kept busy buying horses mild enough for the kid’s portion of the ranch. They’d spent months building a dormitory at one end of the property to house those that needed to stay. Once they had the employees they needed, things could begin.

  “Mom, this is Hope.” He waved her into the kitchen.

  His mother sighed. “Why can’t one girl we hire be ugly?” She wiped her hands on a towel, then thrust one forward. “I’m Enid. It’s good to meet you. I’m going to apologize in advance for any shenanigans my sons will pull. Especially the twins.”

  Hope’s eyes widened, but she returned the shake. “I could not wear makeup if that will help.”

  His mother laughed. “That would make you look sixteen. Welcome to the ranch. Houston, show h
er where she’ll be working.”

  “Looks like you’re hired.” As he led Hope from the room, his mother muttered, “More trouble coming.”

  “Are you trouble, Hope?” He stopped and faced her when they stepped on the porch. “We’ve had our share.”

  “I know you have, and I don’t know if I bring trouble.” She exhaled heavily. “Before I sign any official papers, I need to tell you about my Aunt Lou.”

  “Okay.” Sounded ominous. He led her to a round iron table under an oak tree.

  She told him of her aunt’s death and her inheritance, of how she thought the death suspicious and wanted to look into it further as time permitted. She told him of her step-uncle, a man she disliked and didn’t trust. “I’ve gone to the police with my thoughts, but they brushed me off. Everything points to Aunt Lou falling from the trail.”

  Houston crossed his arms. “I can ask my brother, Wyatt, to ask some questions of Colorado Springs Police Department.”

  “That would be helpful, thank you.” She glanced toward the newly reconstructed barn. “I really don’t want to bring trouble, but I honestly can’t say whether it will come. I’ve done nothing to anger Uncle Ron other than ask questions.”

  “Most of the time, that’s all it takes.” He sighed and placed his hand over hers. “You’re safe here. Our number of protectors keeps growing. My only concern is that no harm come to any child in our care. Can you promise that?”

  “I can promise that I will do my best.”

  He nodded. “Alright. Let me show you around, then to your room. I’d like you to help me interview a couple more people to help. I’d like one more man and one woman. Can you ride a horse?”

  “Yes.” She smiled. “Better than a bicycle anyway.”

  “You’re forbidden to walk across any railroad tracks.” He stood and motioned for her to follow him.

  His chest puffed out a bit as he showed her what he called the bunkhouse. “The west wing is for the girls, the east will be for the boys.” He opened the thick wooden double doors. “They’re joined by a common room with games and a big screen television. They’ll eat in the dining hall with the regular guests. The regular guests only come spring through fall once the threat of snow isn’t something to worry about, but we want to keep this part of the ranch open all year. Even the winter here can bring healing.”

  She glanced around the room. “I wish there had been a place like this after my parents died.” She blinked rapidly, then ducked her head so he couldn’t see her tears.

  He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “You’ll be able to relate to the young’uns, won’t you?”

  “Yes. My aunt was a wonderful woman full of love, but she couldn’t really relate to a wounded child. She treated me more like an adult than a young teen.”

  Pain radiated from Hope in waves. The realization that Houston wanted to once again come to her rescue hit him like the train he’d once saved her from.

  Chapter Two

  In a week’s time, the ranch bustled like a beehive. Guests filled the dining hall. In the morning, the first wave of young people in need of healing would arrive.

  Hope hovered in the doorway and surveyed the long rustic benches providing seating for over a hundred people. A smaller table sat off to one side for the family’s use. Where would she sit?

  Houston waved her over. “Family and friends sit here. The other small table is for employees, but I’ve known you long enough to call you friend.”

  A man in a black shirt glanced up. “Howdy. I’m Wyatt, this is my wife, Jordan, and our daughter, Lilly. Welcome to the insane asylum.”

  “Hush.” Enid popped him on the arm with her fork. “We aren’t that bad.” She glanced around the room. “Your father would be proud, boys. He had a vision for this ranch, but you all have far surpassed what he thought it would be.”

  A flicker of excitement slipped through Hope as she sat. To think she had the opportunity to do good in the world. She could hardly wait until tomorrow.

  “Hope, I’d like to see you in my office after breakfast,” Wyatt said. “I’ve heard there’s something you need to discuss with me.”

  “Uh, oh,” Enid muttered. “Can’t the girl have more than a week without interrogation?”

  “She can have that tomorrow. Now that’s she’s learned the ropes, I need some blanks filled in.” Wyatt buttered his biscuit. “As sheriff, it’s my job to ask questions.”

  Houston squeezed Hope’s hand under the table and leaned close. “I’ll come with you. He isn’t as scary as he looks.”

  She didn’t know what answer she could give. All she had was a scary suspicion and copies of the court report. A few photos she’d paid a news reporter who wanted to score some easy cash. One big question she wanted answered herself was why had Aunt Lou come to Copper Pass and fallen off the mountain? She’d never lived here a day in her life as far as Hope knew. She might have paid her sister, Hope’s mother a visit once in a while, but to come for a vacation? Or had it been for a different reason?

  She cut a quick glance at Houston and slipped her hand free of his. If he knew she’d withheld that tasty bit of information he might not be as quick to reassure her things would be fine.

  The fluffy pancakes stuck to the roof of her mouth. Not that they weren’t delicious, but worry had dried Hope’s mouth up like a creek bed after a drought. She ate as quickly as possible, then excused herself, promising to meet Wyatt in half an hour.

  Outside, she took a deep breath of the fresh air and stared over the corral where horses of every shade grazed. The temptation to hop on one and ride far away almost overcame her. She moved to the railing and leaned against the top post. Aunt Lou would have known what to do. Hope might put on a brave face, but inside she was still the timid girl frightened of her own shadow.

  With a sigh, she headed for the youth building to see what her list of chores were for the day. Houston always had everyone’s list in their private cubby. She pulled out the folded sheet of printed paper. Make sure beds were clean and made, board games and puzzles in place, rules tacked in every room…nothing too difficult but plenty to keep her busy. She folded the paper and slipped it into her pocket.

  A few minutes later she retrieved the papers and photos from her room and knocked on Wyatt’s door. He called for her to enter. Houston already sat across from his brother’s desk and gave her a welcoming smile.

  She did her best to return with one of her own, but her lips trembled, belying her nervousness. She wiped sweaty palms on the legs of her jeans and sat down. “I brought this.”

  Wyatt’s brows rose as she slid the packet across his desk. He flipped through the pile, focusing on the photos. “I didn’t hear anything about a woman falling off our mountain.”

  “That’s what I was told.” Hope slumped in her seat. More secrets from…someone. “I don’t think her death was an accident. Aunt Lou wouldn’t, couldn’t take such a hike. I have no idea why she was even in Montana. She loved Colorado Springs.” Tears threatened to choke her.

  “Why didn’t you tell me this the first day?” Houston frowned.

  “I wanted more information before coming forward.” She clasped her hands in her lap tight enough to whiten her knuckles. “I’m sorry if I’ve brought trouble here.”

  “Isn’t the first time.” Wyatt chuckled. “We’re getting used to it.” He handed the photos to Houston. “See anything strange?”

  “Like the fact she’s wearing shoes inappropriate for hiking?” Houston arched a brow. “No water bottle, snacks, backpack, nothing to suggest she’d gone on a hike. I think she was meeting someone. I also don’t recognize this as Copper Pass. Maybe Mustang Ridge?”

  “Where’s that?” Hope turned to face him.

  “The other side of the valley. It’s a popular spot for outdoor lovers.” He rubbed his chin. “Why say in the papers that it was Copper Pass Mountain? It doesn’t make sense.”

  “Someone has staged this, and not very convincingly.” Wyatt scooped the p
apers and photographs into a file. “I’d like to keep these, Hope. Dig into this a little deeper. Why would someone want your aunt dead?”

  “To keep me from inheriting her estate. I couldn’t find her will, either, or a lawyer she might have hired. I’m not law enforcement, but it all sounds fishy to me.” She squared her shoulders. “Will you help me find out what happened?”

  ~

  “Of course, we will.” Houston stared at his brother. He had no doubt Wyatt would take on the case. Especially knowing a woman had died in Copper Pass. He took his position as sheriff very seriously. “It might take some time, though.”

  Hope stood. “Good thing I have plenty of work to do. Are we done here?”

  “For now,” Wyatt said. “I’m going to make some calls. Houston, if you have time today, head over to Mustang Pass. See what you can find.”

  “Why Houston?” Hope asked.

  “All us Armstrong men are deputies when needed.” Houston grinned. “Feel like taking a day trip? Your job list shouldn’t take too long to accomplish with the new girl helping.”

  “Yes.” She turned and rushed from the room.

  “Do you think that’s wise?” Wyatt leaned back in his chair. “She might distract you.”

  “I’d like to read her while I search.” Houston’s smiled faded. “She’s withheld information before. I don’t want to give her the opportunity to do so again.”

  “You don’t trust her?”

  Houston shrugged. “I’m not sure anymore, but I’ll find out what’s going on in that pretty head of hers. She doesn’t seem like someone overly interested in money, seems to be genuinely upset over her aunt, but she could also be a very good actress.”

  “Be careful. Keep your radio on. I agree with Hope that her aunt’s death might not be an accident.”

  Houston agreed, too. The big question in his mind was how deep into everything was Hope?