“Don’t you worry about that,” Ryder said. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll get off this property right now.”
The man’s scowl darkened and he turned to face Ryder, his hands clenched at his sides. “Who the devil do you think you are, talking to me like that?”
“The name’s Ryder. Ryder Kent. And you are?” Ryder didn’t need any introductions to know who the man was. He just wanted to get him talking, distract him enough so he could move in closer.
Jerome’s frown deepened. “Ryder Kent? I know that name…” And then his eyes widened. “The Ryder Kent? The owner of the biggest dairy brand in North America? You’re that Ryder Kent?”
“The same.” Ryder’s response was brusque. He gave short shrift to Slater’s sudden change of tone. The man was easily impressed by money, that much was obvious. But that made him sink even lower in Ryder’s eyes. He crossed the porch and went down the steps then walked right up to the man who was staring up at him. Slater wasn’t a big man. He actually looked smaller than Blake. Still, there was a shifty look in his eyes that told Ryder he was not to be trusted. “I’ve answered your question,” he said. “Now it’s time for you to answer mine. What are you doing on Blake’s property when she clearly doesn’t want you here?”
“I…” Slater swallowed and glanced over at Blake who was staring at Ryder, a look of surprised confusion on her face. “It’s okay that I’m here. Right, Blake?”
She blinked and then she turned to fix a caustic glare on the man. “No, it’s not okay. I want you gone.”
“You heard the lady.” Ryder took a step closer to Slater and the man took a matching step back. “I suggest you get back in your car and leave.” When the man hesitated Ryder's scowl darkened and he folded his arms across his chest. “You know who I am,” he said, his voice soft and menacing, “and you know I have the power to make your life very miserable. Don’t make me go there.”
“N…no, Mr. Kent. I’m…leaving.” He backed away and when he was at a safe distance he turned and hurried off to his hunter-green Buick. He glanced back only once and it was to throw a furious glare at Blake. He didn’t stop, though, not until he’d climbed into his car and started the engine and then turned the car with a screech of tires, slammed on the gas and tore out of the yard, the car kicking up a cloud of dust as he went.
It was only when the car had disappeared down the road that Blake walked over to where Ryder stood, still fuming.
“What was that all about?” she asked. “That thing about a dairy business or brand or something like that?”
His eyes still glued on the road, Ryder shook his head. “We’ll talk about that later. We’ve got a heck of a journey ahead of us and that just cost us another ten minutes.” He lifted his chin toward the SUV. “Let’s get out of here.”
***
“Name?”
“Blake Beaumont.”
“Address?”
“Do you want my current residence or my permanent address?”
The bristle-haired, blue-shirted officer gave her a look that told her it didn’t matter a hoot to him. “I’ll give you my address in Pequoia,” she said. “That way you can find me easier.”
He shrugged then wrote down the address as she gave it to him. “Phone number?” Pen poised above the paper, he waited for her to give him the information so he could complete the form.
“I don’t have one. At least, not one that will work when I get back home.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“We don’t have phone service in Pequoia but we will soon. The phone company is setting up the poles as we speak."
The man gave a grunt like he didn’t quite believe her but he completed the preliminaries then carefully took her statement, a process that took the better part of an hour. When it was finally over Blake sighed, exhausted from having to relive the ordeal, if even just on paper.
She was glad she had Ryder with her. Through it all he never left her side and when it was over and they were walking back to the car he slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close, letting her rest her head against his shoulder. It was what she needed right then, to draw from his strength. It was the best thing he could have done and she was grateful.
When they settled in the car she turned to him. “I know it’s later than we expected but would you mind if I still went by to see Mom and Becky, just for a little bit? I can’t come all the way to Dallas and not go see them.”
“Of course. I’d be surprised if you didn’t.” Ryder reached over and gave her a reassuring pat on the leg. “Just give me the address and I’ll have you there in a jiffy.”
Relieved, she relaxed back into her seat and smiled. “Thanks.” It was a word full of meaning. She was thanking him for so many things. He’d been there for her in more ways than one. She couldn’t even begin to repay him.
It was almost eight o’clock when they got to Blake’s family home. As they pulled into the driveway she saw when Becky drew back the curtains and peeked out, then her eyes lit up and her face split into a wide smile. “Mom, they’re here,” she yelled and then the curtains fell back in place as she dashed off to the front door. Blake laughed. She was just as eager to see her sister. She couldn’t wait to wrap her up in a huge bear hug.
She’d called home as soon as she’d left Pequoia and got a cell phone signal. When she told Becky she was on her way to Dallas her little sister gave a shriek that almost burst her eardrum. Her mother was almost as bad.
And now she was here. It made her almost glad she’d had to come to Dallas for that awful business. At least it was a chance to see her family.
Before she could get out of the vehicle Becky was bounding down the steps. Blake had just enough time to open the passenger door, slip out and hold her arms open wide. Becky barreled right into her, almost knocking her over.
“Blake,” she squeaked, “you’re here. What took you so long?”
Blake gave her sister a squeeze and then she put her away and stared down into her excited face. “Hey, Squirt, you’ve been growing again. Don’t you know you’re not supposed to be growing up without me?”
Becky laughed at her teasing. “You haven’t been gone that long.”