Page 54 of One in a Million
“Just barely. But if it means we need to keep some distance between us, I’ll understand and follow your lead.”
“Now it’s your turn,” she said. “What was it you were planning to tell me?”
Sam told her the whole story—the slaughtered calf, the visit to Charlie’s, the bracelet he’d found, and his threat to go to the police with it. The expressions that flickered across her face ranged from bewilderment to anger to fear.
“What does he want, Sam? Money? I’ve got that. I’ll pay whatever he demands—within reason. But I’ve known Charlie for a long time. What he craves most is respect—and I humiliated him at the memorial.”
“He humiliated himself, Jasmine.”
“But he won’t see it that way. I think what he really wants is to see me brought down to his level.”
“I sensed the same thing,” Sam said. “That’s why I plan to face him alone tomorrow. I don’t want you going anywhere near that place.”
“Shouldn’t that be my decision?” Defiance sparked like flint in her eyes.
“I just want you safe,” he said.
“But this isn’t your problem,” she said. “The mistake was mine. I should be the one to handle the consequences.”
“You didn’t see him today. The look in his eyes—he’s dangerous, Jasmine. He wants to hurt you.” Sam reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a folded sheet of notepaper and a pen, which he’d found in the glove box of the Jeep.
“Take a look at this. I made a list of the expenses Charlie might want to collect, including what he’ll have to pay your family.” He handed her the paper. “Take a look, change anything you want, and do the math. If you want to write a check, I’ll take it back to him tomorrow.”
“And what if he turns it down? What if he wants more? I don’t want to go to jail. I’ve got to be there.”
“I can’t stop you. But if you insist on going, I’ll be right there with you.”
“Sam, this isn’t your problem.”
“I seem to have made it my problem. This is non-negotiable. You’re not going to face that man alone.”
She hesitated, then sighed. “All right. But I’ll do the talking.”
“That’s fine as long as Charlie behaves. What time tomorrow do you want to leave?”
“We could go now and get it over with,” she suggested.
“Darrin’s car is here. He could be anywhere on the ranch. Do you really want to risk getting him involved?”
“Not unless I need a lawyer. What if he gets to Charlie first, and Charlie shows him the bracelet?”
“It could happen,” Sam said. “But I don’t think it will. Charlie has more to gain by bargaining with you than with Darrin.”
“And Charlie would relish the satisfaction of seeing me beg. I know him. I know what to expect. I can meet you at eight o’clock in the parking lot.”
“That should be fine.”
Madeleine had come outside. She stood on the porch, watching them, as if expecting a performance from her daughter.
When Jasmine turned away and headed for the house without so much as blowing Sam a kiss, Madeleine pivoted, strode back into her bungalow, and closed the door behind her with an audible click.
* * *
Even before Lila stepped into the arena, Roper had sensed that she was there, watching him from beyond the railing. Or maybe he’d been so hungry for the sight of her and the sound of her voice that he’d imagined her presence. Either way, the woman walking toward him now, silhouetted against the fading light, was real.
He had dismounted after Million Dollar Baby’s workout and was waiting for the groom as she crossed the arena, her boots stirring the thick layer of sand, loam, and sawdust that cushioned the floor. As she came closer, he could see the shadows of weariness that framed her eyes. She was no longer young. Today she looked her age.
“Hello, Boss,” he said. “Is there something I can do for you?”