Other boys? Ranch. Was this what Allie had been on the verge of talking with him about when Doc Wilkins had interrupted?
Jay's eyes widened. "I thought Mama had told you—"
"Told me what?"
But Jay pressed his lips together and shook his head, dust and straw flying from the mop of dark hair. He backed toward the interior of the barn, and Brandon stood up stiffly.
"Mr. Gabriel, please don't tell her—" Jay started.
Brandon shook his head. No more secrets. "Not this time, Jay. I need some answers. And I'm going to get them."
****
Allie had just put breakfast on the table when Brandon came through the door. His mouth was tight, and he looked away from her as their eyes met across the table.
Doc sat forward, his coffee cup poised halfway between the table and his mouth. His gaze narrowed immediately as a scowl descended over his features. "You out to undo all my hard work, Brandon?"
Brandon shook his head. "No." He stood the rifle by the door. "Just – washed up."
"Ehhh…" Doc muttered. His look was doubtful. He winked at Jay who followed close behind Brandon. "I got the eggs, Jay. Sounded like you and Brandon were…otherwise occupied."
Jay slid into his chair quietly. "Thanks, Doc."
Brandon pulled a chair out opposite Jay's and lowered himself into it stiffly.
Allie noted the brief expression of relief in his features. He'd been at the limit of his endurance. Pretending not to notice, she carried the bowl of steaming gravy to the table, setting it near Brandon's plate.
Brandon glanced up at Allie, a stricken look in his dark eyes. "I – uh – guess maybe I ought to eat in the bedroom. I'm not really dressed for a meal—"
"Don't," Allie said softly. She came around the table and knelt beside him. "Let me—" She reached slowly for the gaping shirt, bringing the two sides together.
"Careful, now, Allie, don't pull it too tight," Doc protested.
Allie didn't look at him. "No," she whispered softly. "I won't. I'll be careful." The second button slipped through the hole, and her fingers moved down to the third one. Brandon's eyes held hers, and she felt as if she were drowning. It went against everything in him, she knew, to allow her help, especially in front of Doc and Jay, but he was accepting it. Her heart pounded at his heated stare.
Her blood heated at the desire in his eyes. It took every ounce of her resistance to stop herself from leaning forward those few inches and putting her mouth to his.
Abruptly, Allie drew her hands away and stood, warmth rushing to her cheeks.
"Left hand only, Brandon," Doc said, as if he'd noticed nothing amiss. "Are you ambidextrous?"
Brandon glanced at Doc and gave him a slow grin. "After a fashion. Not as good with my left, but I can do a passable job."
"That include everything?"
Brandon's smile faded. "If you're askin' can I shoot left-handed, the answer is yes. But just like I said – not as well as I do with my right."
Doc speared some flapjacks and forked them onto his plate, lifting his serious gaze to Brandon's. "I don't like leavin' you here – not at all. What happened yesterday ain't finished, boy, and—"
Brandon's left hand crashed down hard on the table, and Jay jumped. "Dammit, Doc, don't'cha think I know that?"
The two men sat staring at one another, the silence stretching taut and heavy in the room, until Brandon looked away and shook his head. "Sorry." He raked his hair back quickly. "I had no way of knowin' what was gonna happen—"
"I'm not blaming you, Brandon!" The doctor was incredulous. "Ye gods!" He sat back in his chair. His gaze strayed to the window, and then he finished softly. "I'm sorry too. I didn't have any way of knowing, either. And there are lots of other good people in that town who didn't know – who weren't in on Arnie Smith's 'pact' – we aren't all bad."
"I know. But now, it's just come down to figuring out who to trust. Everyone's an enemy – until we get it sorted out. If we ever do." He cocked a glance at Doc. "Go on and get your partner, Doc. We'll be all right today. I don't think they'll try anything yet."
"But what about—" Jay started.
"Better eat up, son," Brandon said, nodding toward the steaming plate of flapjacks. He would broach the subject of the ranch, the orphans, and the cattle with Allie – just not right now.
"I know, but—"
"Jay." Brandon reached for the plate and passed it to Jay, quelling him with a look. "Get some food in you. We'll have that game of checkers after we're done."
Chapter 11
After they'd eaten, the doctor motioned Brandon back to the bedroom. Jay rose to go saddle Doc's horse for him, and Allie began to clear away the dishes. As Brandon reached the bed, he sank down gratefully on the edge.
"Go on, son. Lie down." Doc shook his head, his wispy white hair flying. "I don't know how you managed to sit in there and eat like you did."
Brandon grinned. "I was hungry."
"You know what I mean." Doc pointed a gnarled finger.
Brandon's grin faded, and he looked down. "Yeah. I know what you mean." Carefully, he bent to pull off his boots.