Saved by the Rancher

chapter Twenty-One


“IT’S RABBIT. I need Ben.”

Efficient as ever, his staff put her through to Ben immediately. Even when he was in court, they managed to get him for her with relative ease.

“Ben, you’re going to earn those big bucks I pay you today.”

“I guess you’re feeling better.” Relief tinged his words. “It’s so good to hear your voice, and more so to hear you sounding like your old self. I’ve been worried about you. Jack’s kept me apprised of how you’re doing. Everything okay?”

“So far. Do you know where he is?”

“Paris. Some business or other.”

“How long will he be gone?”

“At least another week. He’s negotiating buying some company. The soonest he’ll be back, maybe three days.”

“Right. I saw that in my email from the company detailing the purchase. Do you know what his schedule is after Paris?”

“No, something’s going on at his office. My source hasn’t been able to dig anything up. That’s why I don’t know for certain his return date.”

“Okay. Three days gives me time to get my wits back and decide what to do.”

“What do you mean, what to do?”

“Not just me, you’re going to help. It’s time to end the hunt. I need to figure out the best way to do that without getting myself killed, or anyone here hurt.”

“You know I’m with you, Rabbit. You’re my best client, not to mention my friend.”

She smiled and sighed wearily. “Thanks. That means a lot. You’ve been a good friend to me over the years and the only constant in my life. I wish I could repay you for what you’ve done.”

“Something’s different. You sound hopeful. I mean, you usually have a great attitude, but I don’t know. I can’t put my finger on it.”

“It’s Jack. He’s the best gift you could’ve given me. You were right about him. He saved me in more ways than I knew I needed saving. His quiet strength and unflappable confidence rubbed off on me, I guess you could say. Being here with him and his family has shown me what a real life could be like having people around who care about you, really care deeply and unconditionally.”

“You deserve so much more than what you’ve gotten over the years. I hope you’ve found some happiness.”

“I’m starting to feel like everything that’s happened has led up to this. It’s time to stop running and do something. That’s where you come in.”

“What do you want me to do?”

She started back up the stairs. Slow going, her leg hurt each time she used it to lift herself up a step, but she needed to exercise the muscles. “First, did you send me a new computer?”

“Didn’t you get your packages?”

“Yeah, I just haven’t opened them yet. I will. Is the computer in there?”

“Yes, your usual laptop, twenty thousand in cash, your mail, copies of statements and business papers. Look those over, there’ve been a lot of changes.”

“How’s my project with Mike going? Has he kept things quiet and hidden?”

“So far, we’ve seen no outward signs anyone has taken notice. He’s got things split up between several of your trusts, which have your name buried deep. Someone would have to dig to find out they all belong to you. Of course, they’ll know interest in the stock has increased.”

“How long until I have what I want?”

“I don’t know for sure. Mike’s kept things fairly spread out over the last two years. He doesn’t want to send up any flags. You don’t need that much more. Once you have it, we can change all the trusts back to your name whenever you want. What will you do once you’ve got this?”

“Show him that he can’t get away with hurting me.”

“You’re playing with fire.”

“No. So far, I’ve let others tie my hands, tell me to be patient and let the system work for me. While I wait, he comes after me again. Enough. This is the only way to hurt him.”

“What do you want me to do? All your long-term plans are moving along.”

“I want you to draw up a new will and a couple of new trusts. I’ll email you all the specifics. Can you send the papers to me tomorrow morning to sign? Double copies. You’ll see why when you get the email. I’ll need a set and the others can go back to you. I want them before I leave to go shopping with the girls.”

“Shopping with the girls?”

“Yes. I intend to be a normal person tomorrow. I’m taking Jack’s sister, Summer, and niece, Lily, out for the time of their lives.”

“Do you need me to do anything for that?”

“I’ll put it all in the email.”

“Sounds like you’re enjoying this.”

“I am. It’s time I had fun. I’m going to do something good. Wait till you see the email. After all the time you’ve known me, I think this email will be a shock. Look for it in a few minutes. Get to work. I want those papers tomorrow. And thanks, Ben.”

“I’ll look for the email in ten. I hope I get to hear you like this more often.”

“I hope so, too. Call me when all the arrangements for tomorrow are done.”

“I will.”

She held the phone in her hand and gazed out the window to the trees beyond. For the first time in a long time, things were going her way. In control of her life, her direction, she savored the powerful feeling. She had Jack to thank for her newfound determination.