Chapter 16

Killian went back to the beginning of the book. This time, when he turned over the first page, he saw a small sheet of paper had been folded lengthwise and tucked into the crease. His hands shaking slightly, he unfolded it and smoothed it out.

Dear Killian,

If you are reading this, it means I am gone to whatever reward God has chosen for me. There are so many things I wanted to say to you whenever we were together, but the time was never right.

By now, you and your brothers have all the details of the story. I’m sorry this was a big shock to you. It’s important for you to know, however, I loved your mother unconditionally and you always held a special place in my heart. I know you have grown up to be a fine young man and do me very proud.

I hope you and your brothers will decide to give D. Walker Minerals a chance in your lives, as well as the town of Red Creek. There are many great rewards to be had, and I’m not just discussing money.

Anyway, the last thing I want to say is I love you, son. I have passed on to you the only heritage I have, and I hope you’ll find a place in your heart for it.

I love you, Son.

Your dad,

Dusty Walker

Killian stared at the note then he turned the pages again, this time more slowly. There were many pictures of him with his mother. Dusty had devoted special pages to those particular shots. It astounded him his mother looked so happy in each of them. Had she really been so satisfied with her part-time relationship with Dusty Walker? What was he missing here?

And did a few pictures and a wad of cash really make up for the mess of a situation Dusty had created. Again Killian worried those genes had passed down to him, leaving him unable to give any woman the kind of relationship she wanted and deserved.

“He used to talk about you all the time,” Lou said, breaking into his thoughts. “All of you. I sometimes thought if he could have found a way, he’d have brought all of you, boys and mamas, here to live with him.”

Killian actually laughed. “That would have been an interesting situation. Would have given the town a lot of fodder for gossip.”

“This town loved Dusty,” Marliss said, ignoring what Killian implied. “He gave back to it at every opportunity.”

“When someone lost a job,” Lou added, “Dusty always stepped in to make sure they had a roof over their head, food to eat, and walking around money until they got hired again. He was a big sponsor for the school district carnival every year, raising money for extracurricular and after-school programs.”

“And,” Marliss picked up, “there’s hardly a person in the county he hasn’t touched in some way.”

“He worked his ass off, building his company up to the multimillion dollar business it is so he could provide security for everyone.” Killian frowned. “I thought the gas and mineral business was his lifelong dream.”

“It was.” Lou nodded. “But then, beyond the excitement of finding those mineral deposits and negotiating those leases and royalty payments, he found a way to be able to take care of people. He liked doing it. Seemed like he made the whole town his family.”

Marliss nodded. “I’d say Lou’s right. He was very family oriented. That’s kinda how he got into the situation he did.”

“You know,” Lou said in his slow drawl, “he really wanted you boys to get to know each other. To bond with each other. Really be the brothers you were. Be connected.”

Killian made a rude noise. “I’m sure. Is that why he gave us all the same buckle? Like we’re in some kind of special club?” He swallowed the bitter taste surging in his mouth. “Did he think that was going to make us all hug and kiss?”

“Or maybe take some pride in being his sons.”

“Pride? Ha! After what he’s done, to all of us?”

Marliss gave a half-smile. “I know you feel all kinds of bitter and betrayed, but talk to the folks in town, Killian. Get their take on him. They’ll give you a real feel for the kind of person he was. It might change your opinion.”

“She’s right,” Lou agreed. “While you’re learning the business, maybe you could learn about your daddy, too.”

“And speaking of people in town,” Marliss put in, “am I right in figuring you were out with Lexie Choate again last night?”

Killian couldn’t decide if she was glad he was spending time with Lexie or about to chew him out and ask his intentions. He fiddled with his coffee mug, choosing his words carefully.

“I took her to dinner.” He shrugged. “A very nice dinner, by the way.”

“And the night before,” Lou put in. He winked. “Right in front of everyone in Red Creek.”

“Damn!” Killian sat up straight. “I don’t think quite everyone was there, Lou. But don’t people have anything else to talk about around here?”

“’Course they do. But everyone knows Dusty’s story, and they loved him despite his flaws. Now they’re all taking the measure of his sons. Not to mention their curiosity’s at an all-time high.”

“That Lexie’s a real sweet girl,” the housekeeper told him.

“She is damn sure that.”

“So, Killian.” Lou’s skewering look made him squirm. “We know you’re only here for a week.”

“And one more at the end of the month,” he reminded them.

“Still, I expect you’ll be kicking the dust of Red Creek from your heels when you’re done here.”

“For more reasons than you know.” Even if he was tempted, how could he enter into a long-term relationship with a woman like Lexie Choate when his heritage was a philanderer like Dusty Walker? What if it was in his genes to be unfaithful? They’d start off with one big strike against them, and he’d never do that to her.

“Those look like some big heavy thoughts,” Lou commented.

Killian rubbed his cheek. “If only you knew.”

“Maybe not as heavy as you think if you haul them out in the daylight.” Marliss frowned. “Too bad we can’t convince one of you yahoos to stay around and run the company, the way Dusty wanted.”

Killian studied them both. “What did my…the others say?”

“I think y’all will find out at the end of the month. But I want to get back to Lexie.” She glared at him the way his mother had when he screwed something up. “I’d hate for someone to do that young lady wrong.”

Killian forced himself not to squirm in his seat, feeling his neck redden. “Lexie knows I’m only here for a week,” he assured them. “We’ve talked about it and decided there’s no reason why we can’t enjoy each other’s company for the short haul.”

“Short haul?” Marliss sniffed. “Don’t you dally with her emotions, Killian Walker. She’s had enough grief.”

He wrinkled his forehead. “Grief? What kind of grief?”

“That’s for me to know and her to tell you if she wants. Just keep this in mind. Lou and me will be looking over your shoulder.”

He shook his head. “You sound like you’re my mother.”

“Just watching out for everyone.” She rose from the table. “Hadn’t you best be getting on to work?”

He grinned. “Yes, Mom. I’m on my way.”

“You might want to carve out a little time to check out this piece of property,” Lou suggested. “It’s got the best view in the county, not to mention a lot of plusses you ain’t discovered yet.”

“I’ll do that. Thanks for pointing it out.”

“I mean, if this got to be my piece of property, I’d want to know about every blade of grass.”

“I hear you,” he called as he hurried out of the kitchen.

Grabbing his Stetson from the peg in the front hall, he headed out to the garage. He was anxious to get out of there before the old couple found a few more things to throw at him. But as he headed down the driveway in the silver SUV, he drove slowly, glancing left and right. Osprey Lake sparkled in the morning sunlight and, beyond, the property stretched in both directions. Completely unbidden, a question popped into his brain.

I wonder if you can raise horses out here?