Page 50 of The Breakdown
“It must be awful,” Natalie said. “Having to work so physically hard with a bad back.”
“It’s an adventure,” Vaughn said. “I’ll say that much.”
“Would you like a cup of tea?” She looked as though she could use a good cup. That and a massage. But Natalie wasn’t about to offer that. Just the thought of rubbing Vaughn’s muscular back caused her heart to flip-flop in her chest. She fanned her face, suddenly feeling hot. She stopped when she saw that Vaughn was watching her curiously.
“You know, I think I would like a cup. It smells delicious.”
Natalie handed Vaughn her mug and pushed herself to a stand. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”
“I’ll be right here.”
Natalie hurried inside and made Vaughn a cup of tea. It felt good to be doing something nice for her, even if it was something as simple as a hot drink on a stormy fall evening. She made her way back outside and traded mugs with Vaughn, who took the cup carefully, wrapping her hands around it like a hug. They sat and sipped quietly before Vaughn spoke.
“What kind of tea is this? It’s really good. Kind of spicy.”
“It’s a sweet and spicy blend with cinnamon and orange, along with notes of other flavors. I love having it when the weather starts to cool.”
“I can see why.”
Natalie smiled over at her. “Well, there’s more where that came from.” She immediately regretted voicing that out loud. She almost smacked her forehead in disbelief. There’s more where that came from? Can I sound anymore cheesy?
“I mean, well, you know. Anytime.”
Vaughn returned the smile. “Thanks.”
Natalie searched her mind for something to say. Something that wouldn’t make her seem like a total idiot. “How’s Miracle? She doing okay?” It wasn’t exactly a lighthearted topic, but it was better than telling her there’s more where that came from.
“She’s doing as well as can be expected.”
“And the vet? What did he say?”
“He thinks she’ll make a full recovery.”
“That’s wonderful, Vaughn.”
Vaughn stared into her steaming tea. “Yeah, but I just can’t get over it. The way I found her, what she’d gone through.” She shook her head. “If I ever get my hands on those two I’ll ring their necks. I swear I will.”
“Not if June gets to them first. She seemed pretty pissed as well.”
“She is. And you’re right, she’s more of a threat than I am. You do not want to piss off June Ruger, that’s for sure. She handles things the old-fashioned way. Back when ranchers took the law into their own hands. Back when your guns spoke for you.”
“Then they better stay away. If they know what’s good for them,” Natalie said, looking off into the flashing lightning. Thunder rumbled again, this time louder, closer.
“I don’t think they’re that smart,” Vaughn said, sipping her drink. “They haven’t proven to be so far.”
“I can’t believe you found the horse before the police. Why didn’t he know about that place? Isn’t the guy his cousin?”
“No. This was Pedro’s place. And he wasn’t legally leasing the building, so it would’ve been difficult to learn about unless the police heard it firsthand.”
“Still. A little detective work would’ve gone a long way.”
“Very true.”
“Did they end up finding the guys? Have you heard?”
“Last I heard they couldn’t locate them. And that was…” She checked her watch. “Two hours ago.”
“Geez maybe you’ll have to do that for them too. I bet you know where they like to hang out.”