Lies That Bind by Caitlyn Willows Read Free Book Online Page A

getting rid of her. I don’t know how she found out so quick. We played hell scooting her out before the guests overheard mention of Derek’s death.”
    “You know news travels fast in a town like this. She paid her condolences to you , not to me. You know her protocol would compel her to come here today.” It wouldn’t surprise Tessa to know Ethel posted a lookout somewhere to find out exactly when Tessa arrived. Maybe even Ethel herself. It wouldn’t be hard. Turnbauer land was adjacent to the ranch, and the bank was closed on weekends. “We’ll let her say her piece and be done with it.”
    Rex muttered a few choice curse words and returned to the love seat. Tessa waited for Ethel’s knock and for Tyler to quit hovering before she answered the door.
    “Tessa, honey, I’m so sorry for your loss,” Ethel burst out the second the door opened.
    “Thank you, Ethel.” Tessa placed her age at around fifty, but that was only going by what she’d heard from others. Ethel was trim and fit. Not a gray hair marred her brunette pixie cut. “Now’s not a good time. Derek’s attorney is here.”
    Something akin to a sneer flashed over Ethel’s mouth, then quickly disappeared. “I understand. I know you must be tired out from your long trip. But I had to give you my sympathies in person.” Sad blue eyes backed up her words. “And to bring you this.” She lifted a large aluminum pan. “Nothing much. Just homemade macaroni and cheese. Comfort food.”
    Tessa pushed the screen door open to accept the offering. “Thank you. You’re always so thoughtful.”
    “You need anything just let me know.”
    “I will.” She exchanged an awkward embrace with the woman and waited at the door until Ethel drove off.
    “Now…was that so difficult?” she asked the men when she went back inside.
    “No, but that will be.” Rex pointed to the disposable pan in her hands.
    “Ever consider feeding it to the javelina?” Nate asked. “It might help get rid of them.”
    “Don’t tempt me.” Tessa tossed the pan into the kitchen trash, then returned to the living room to find the men on their feet, pacing about. The only exception being Kevin, who shuffled his papers into smaller piles. “So, what now?”
    “Want me to see what I can find out?” Nate asked.
    Some measure of relief finally filtered into her bones. Good thing Nate had come along. Or was this the reason he’d insisted in the first place? Maybe he suspected something or his network of connections had hinted at a problem.
    Tessa shoved the rambling thoughts aside. “Yes, thank you.”
    “I’m presuming you’re qualified to snoop?” Rex braced his hands on his hips as Nate slipped his sunglasses in place.
    “I am.” He left it at that and poked Tessa’s shoulder. “You good?”
    She gave him an absentminded nod. “Just need a little privacy.” Time to order her jumbled thoughts and emotions.
    Nate pulled a stick of chewing gum from his jeans pocket, peeled off the foil, and popped it into his mouth. “Got any transportation I can use?”
    Rex pointed toward the kitchen beyond the adjacent dining room. “Derek’s pickup is out back. Keys are on a hook by the kitchen door.”
    Tyler crossed his arms and rocked back on his heels. “The heat dried up things fairly quick after the storm, but there are still muddy spots a truck might not manage. Even our backhoe loader had a hell of a time yesterday burying Rosie. Taking a horse is better if you’ve got the expertise.”
    “I do.”
    “Good.” He clapped Nate’s shoulder. “Let’s set you up with a mount. I’ll go with you. I sure as hell can’t sit around here. I have to do something. Besides, it’s not good for you to go alone. Javelina can be aggressive and very dangerous. And I know the property better. Big spread. You don’t want to lose your way.” He snickered. “Or, God forbid, somehow wander onto the Turnbauer spread. The Turnbauers and the Fords have been frenemies since way back.