Chapter 3

“It has to be on that property.” The elderly man in the expensive suit groused before he blew on his tea and took a noisy sip.

His attorney leaned forward in his seat, propping his elbows on the table. “Mr. Dansforth, we’ve employed four people in the last two months and none of them have found anything on the Whitehorse property but palmettos, bramble, a ramshackle house, snakes and unless my memory fails me, swampland and two alligators.”

“They’re not looking in the right place. I’m telling you it’s there.”

“Well, perhaps if we knew what it is, we would be more successful at locating it.”

Simon Dansforth gave his attorney an evil enough look to have the man drawing back. “Michael Whitehorse was an uneducated man who barely scraped by in life. Widowed at an early age, he abandoned his only child and moved here. Here. Specifically. A man with no financial means, no employment and certainly no patrons of means, shows up here, purchases six hundred acres of land and spends more than twenty years purchasing property all over the state and awarding it to a conservancy. Again, with no visible means of support, employment, or patronage.

“Now, Mr. Johnston, since I pay your firm an obscene amount every year, you tell me. Where did he get the funding? The only logical explanation is that something exists on that property that is worth millions. Somehow he managed to sell without being detected.”

“The man paid his taxes every year. There are no irregularities in any of his tax records. Mr. Dansforth.”

“Except where he came by the money.”

“He listed his occupation as an artist and breeder.”

“And yet no livestock was discovered on his property.”

“Correct.”

“And how many galleries display his work? How many of his paintings have been sold?”

“Actually quite a few.”

Dansforth huffed out a breath and stood. “A pittance compared to what the man spent to give away viable land that could have been developed.”

“It was his to do with as he saw fit.”

“Yes, indeed it was. I want to know what is on that property, Mr. Johnston and I want to know sooner rather than later. Now that his offspring is taking residence, we may find it more difficult to investigate.”

“Why not just make her an offer?” Mr. Johnston asked. “If what we’ve learned is right, she’s virtually penniless. You could offer less than the going rate and she is liable to snap it up.”

“Yes. Yes. Do that. Immediately.”

“But,” he added as the attorney rose. “In the eventuality that she refuses, have someone contact her about her father’s art. If we can get someone into the house perhaps a clue may be found as to what the real treasure is on Whitehorse Ranch.”

“Yes, of course. I will see to that immediately.”

“Well don’t just stand there. Get on with it.”

Simon Dansforth turned away as his attorney hurried from the room. Once alone, he left the dining room and made his way to his private study. He took a seat at the antique desk and withdrew a key from the pocket of his vest to unlock the bottom right drawer.

Inside was a stack of yellowed envelops, bound with an old red ribbon whose color had faded to pink along more than half its length.

Simon carefully untied the ribbon and selected an envelope. He withdrew the folded page within and smoothed it on the surface of the desk in front of him.

Dear Katherine, I received your latest letter. It was so good to hear from you. It sounds like Elana is growing by leaps and bounds. I would so love to see her. Perhaps you and Michael can come for a visit soon.

I hope you were able to locate the place I told you about. It’s a special place Kat and if there is any way for you and Michael to purchase it, you have to try. When it fell out of our family’s hands and into those of our adversaries, we were scattered to the winds. I have lost touch with all but two of the family. I fear we may all be lost, if you do not do all that is in your power to try to lay claim to it.

It’s important Kat. Not just to you, but to Elana. Michael knows this. He believes in it. That’s why we chose him. Why you chose him. He’s the one who will save it. Save us. Please stay strong for him and for Elana. I know you do not want any part of this, but it’s already part of you.

A call, just to hear your voice would be welcome, honey.

I love you, Mom.

Simon read twice through the words, then carefully folded the letter, and replaced it in its envelope. He had been fortunate to have someone retrieve the letters after Bedelia died, and before her granddaughter had been able to go through her things. Had Elana found the letters, she would have come looking for her father.

And if she’d found him, he would have told her about the treasure and where to find it.

And Simon could not allow that. He had lost something important once. Someone to be correct. And that someone had turned out to be connected to this same piece of land.

Simon felt anger rise as he thought about it. About Bedelia walking out on him all those years ago. He might have lost once, but he did not intend to lose again. Not ever.

*****

Cam looked at the turn off to the Whitehorse place as he drove by. It had been close to a week since Ellie arrived and he had not heard anything from her. Maybe he’d read things wrong, and she hadn’t been interested.

He hated to admit that he was disappointed, but he was. Maybe he was letting feelings he had when he was a kid color his thinking now.

He and Ellie Whitehorse met when they were in Miss Johnston’s class in the third grade. She was a tiny waif of a girl, with big blue eyes, long raven hair, and a smile that was downright contagious.

Cam fell in love with her the first day of school. She was shy and didn’t seem to have many friends. He started sitting with her at lunch and seeking her out during recess. By the time the Halloween carnival at the school rolled around, they were best friends.

That friendship lasted until they were in middle school. Sometimes they called themselves girlfriend and boyfriend, and sometimes they didn’t but she was a constant in his life.

The year his family decided to leave North Carolina was the year he and Ellie both moved from children to adolescents. And like all preteens, became aware of things happening in their bodies and developed a curiosity about the opposite sex.

He had his first orgasm with Ellie, with her hand on him, in the backseat of his mother’s car. After that, they found ways to be alone and experimented in the way kids do.

And the night before he moved, she let him do more than touch. He had sex for the first time. It was incredible. At least for him. When he saw the blood on the backseat of his mother’s car, he freaked out. So did Ellie. And so did his mother, who caught them.

Suffice it to say, he and Ellie parted on less than happy terms. His mother drove Ellie home and when she returned, she told him he was damn lucky they were moving because he had screwed up big time having sex with that child.

Cam came back to the present. He had gone through the typical lovesick thing for Ellie for about a month. Until he got a new girlfriend. And then he didn’t think much about Ellie. From time to time memories would float up and he would regret the way their friendship ended, and he’d miss that friendship. But that was the way of things.

Seeing her now brought back memories. She was a beautiful woman now, but she had an air of sadness about her that made him want to comfort her. Cam actually laughed aloud at himself for the thought. He had known many women and he had never met one he wanted to comfort, or one he wanted to bring a smile all the way to her eyes. Maybe that’s because he remembered that smile she had as a child. Ellie’s smile made you feel that everything was right with the world.

What a sap. Cam shook his head and tried to dismiss thoughts of Ellie Whitehorse. In fact, maybe he’d go out after dinner, see if he could stir up excitement of the feminine kind.

That plan flew right out of his mind when he pulled up at the ranch and saw Lily standing by the paddock. Ellie was with her. They both turned as he parked and got out of the truck.

“Hey,” he said as he walked over to them.

“Hey,” Ellie said with a smile.

“I invited Ellie to dinner.” Lily said. “We’re gonna cook out soon as Clint’s done for the day and gets cleaned up.”

“Sounds good. I can start the grill if you want.”

“Yeah, thanks. I was just showing Ellie the new mare I got last week.”

“She’s beautiful,” Ellie said and looked back at the horse. “She reminds me—"

“Of the horse in the paintings,” Cam cut in.

“Yes!”

“What paintings?” Lily asked.

Ellie held up her hand. “Hold on. I have something for you.”

She hurried toward her truck and Lily smiled up at Cam. “She’s nice.”

“Yep.”

“I’ve been helping her get her utilities squared away.”

“That’s nice of you, Lil.”

“She’s mighty grateful to you for going through her dad’s place with her when she got here.”

“Seemed like the neighborly thing to do.”

“She’s scared of damn near everything,” Lily lowered her voice and when Cam raised his eyebrows, she held up her hand in a scout salute. “Honest to god. Lizards, snakes, mice, armadillos, frogs.”

“Seriously?”

Lily nodded. “She grew up in the burbs.”

“Yeah, I know. We went to the same school.” People who did not grow up surrounded by nature often had a difficult time adapting.

“Really? She didn’t mention that.”

“Yep. Met her in the third grade and we were friends till the family moved to Arizona.”

“No kidding. Small world.”

Just then, Ellie returned. She carried a large painting and handed it to Lily. “For all your kindness and help.”

Lily’s eyes rounded and her breath came out in a little “ooh.”

“This is incredible. Did you do this?”

“No. It was…I guess it was my father. His house was full of these. All of the same horse. I’ve been going through them, trying to sort them by year. He dated everything. This one was done about a year after he got here.”

“Aside from the color, it could almost be a Friesian.”

“Friesian?” Ellie asked.

“A breed that originated in Friesland, in the Netherlands. You’ve probably seen pictures of them—all black, very muscular with thick long manes and tails and feathers or hair on the lower legs.”

“Oh yes, I know what you’re talking about. So, aren’t any Friesians white?”

“Nope. Sometimes chestnut, but even that will keep a horse from being registered. It—wait, you know it could be a Gypsy Vanner. But I’ve never seen a solid Vanner. Most are either piebald or skewbald.”

“Piebald?” Ellie asked “Oh sorry. Piebald is black and white and skewbald is brown and white.”

“I think I’ve seen photos of those. They’re incredible. I’ve always wanted to shoot one.”

Lily’s face went immediately into an expression of shock and even Cam was taken aback. “Shoot one?”

“Oh no, not with a gun. A camera. It’s what I do. Well, part of what I do. I’m a photographer and graphic artist or designer, whichever you prefer.”

“Oh, thank god,” Lily laughed in obviously relief. “But hey, if you’re serious, there’s a breeder in Ocala. I’ve had my eye on a couple of Vanners and wouldn’t mind making a day of it if you’re interested.”

“Oh, I would love that! Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. Hey, let’s go take this beauty to the house and let Cam get busy with the grill.”

They all headed for the house. Lily left Ellie and Cam in the kitchen and took the painting into the family room, talking over her shoulder about putting it on the hearth for now until they found the perfect place to hang it.

“Thought I might hear from you,” Cam said to Ellie.

“I was going to call,” she said. “Once I felt like I had the place in order. I kind of got sidetracked going through the paintings and sorting them by date.”

“A lot of your father’s life in those.” He commented. “And you said you’re an artist? Maybe you got your talent from him.”

“Maybe, but I’ve never done much in oils. Always wanted to but it’s a little pricey and I never could justify the expense.”

Just then, Lily returned. “Okay, cowboy, get that grill fired up. Ellie, you mind helping me get things together?”

“Not at all, just tell me what you want me to do.”

Lily grinned and cut her eyes at Cam. “Well?”

“Okay, okay, I’m going.”

She and Ellie both smiled as he turned and left. “Okay,” Lily said. “How about you chop up the salad while I wash the potatoes and get them wrapped to go in the fire?”

“Fine with me.” Ellie went to the sink to wash her hands while Lily got all the fixings for the salad from the refrigerator.

After being directed to the cutting board and knives, Ellie made herself busy.

“So, how’s it going with your dad’s place?” Lily asked.

“Have you ever been there?”

“No.”

“Well, it’s–it’s an adventure, I guess. I mean he had hardly any furniture and the place needs painting in the worst way and the yard is…dead, is the best word, I guess. It’s like no one really lived there or cared about the place. It’s kind of…sad.

“Were you and your dad close?”

“No. I actually didn’t know him well at all. He pretty much left me with my grandmother on my mother’s side when my mom died.”

“And you never saw him after that?”

Ellie shook her head. “Nope. Not one word until I got the letter from his attorney saying he’d left me his house and pretty much everything else he had.”

“Tell me to mind my own business if I’m overstepping, but did he leave you enough to fix up the place?”

“Not really,” Ellie answered. “I mean he had like fifteen hundred dollars in his checking account and a CD worth five thousand in the bank but didn’t have life insurance.”

“Probably cost more than that to do much to the place.”

“Yeah, I imagine.” Ellie paused in her task. “And honestly I’m kind of hesitant to spend anything that’s not necessary. At least until I find a job or land some freelance work.”

Lily finished wrapping the last potato in foil and turned to Ellie. “Hey, you know, I have a friend from the Carolinas. She does freelance work for some of the online publishers. Maybe she can help you find some work there.”

“Publishers?”

“Yeah, you know, fiction books. Romance, I think.”

“That sounds interesting. Thanks. I’d be happy for any help or leads I can get.”

“I’ll give her a call in the morning. You have a portfolio online?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Well write it down on that pad on the side table there and I’ll give it to her.”

“Okay, thanks Lily, I really appreciate it.”

“Hey, it’s what neighbors do. Okay, I’m gonna take this out to Cam. When you finish, just cover the bowl with plastic wrap. It’s in that little cabinet beside the stove, and pop it in the fridge.”

“Will do.”

Lily left and Ellie finished preparing the salad. Just as she started washing the cutting board, she heard the kitchen door close. She turned, expecting to see Lily. Instead, it was a tall, very handsome man.

“Well, hey,” he said as he took off his hat and hung it on a hat-rack by the door. “I’m Clint.”

“Hey Clint. I’m Ellie. Whitehorse.”

Clint’s eyes widened. “Little Ellie? Cam’s sidekick?”

“Yep.”

“Well, I’ll be damned. Small world. Well, damn. Ellie Whitehorse. Mike was your dad?”

“Yep.”

Clint shook his head. “Who would’ve guessed? All this time we’ve lived beside him, and it never even crossed my mind that he was related to Cam’s first love.”

“Oh, I don’t know if I’d go that far. Sidekick is more like it.”

Clint chucked. “That boy pined for a month after we left. I was bout ready to drown him in the creek.”

Ellie laughed. “Well, I’m sure he recovered. Still, it’s a surprise after all this time. Oh, and your wife Lily invited me to dinner. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Hey, you know you kind of favor Mike.”

“I do?”

“Yeah, a bit.”

“So, you knew him?”

“I wouldn’t go that far. I mean I knew who he was and exchanged pleasantries when we ran into each other, but I never spent much time around him. Seemed nice enough. Just kinda kept to himself.”

“So, I hear.”

“Well, I need to get cleaned up so if you’ll excuse me.”

“Oh, yes. Sorry.”

She watched him leave then turned back to the sink. She had just finished drying what she had washed and turned to put it away when Cam walked in. As always, the sight of him made her heart rate quicken.

“Grill is started and it’s beer-thirty,” he announced as he made his way to the refrigerator. “Want one?”

“No, but thanks.”

“No beer?”

She shook her head. “I hate the taste of it.”

“You hate beer?”

“Yeah.”

“I can make you a drink. I think we have some tequila and vodka.”

“No, thanks. I’m not much of a drinker.”

“Well,” he opened the refrigerator. “How about a glass of iced tea?”

“Now that I can go for.”

“One iced tea, coming up.”

She watched as he fixed a glass for her and grabbed a beer for himself. “Thanks.” She accepted when he handed it to her.

“To old friends and new neighbors,” he said and raised his bottle.

“Amen.” She clinked her glass against his bottle and made the mistake of making eye contact with him.

Good lord, he was gorgeous. And he turned her on more than any man she’d ever laid eyes on. She felt her skin grow warm and delicious fantasies start to dance in her mind.

The smile he gave her made her wonder if he could tell what she was thinking, and it rattled her enough she looked down at the glass in her hand.

“Wanna head out on the patio to help me keep an eye on the grill?” he asked “Sure.”

They walked outside, passing Lily who was on her way in. “Gonna go check in with Clint and then get the steaks ready. Be back.”

“Take a load off.” Cam gestured toward a deeply cushioned wicker couch on the patio.

“This is beautiful,” Ellie commented as she took a seat. The roof of the house extended out over the patio a good twelve feet, creating an outdoor room. Beyond it was a sizeable pool, completely enclosed by a metal and screen structure.

“I’ve never seen that before,” she indicated the screened enclosure.

“Hard to live without in Florida,” Cam commented and at a look from her, added. “Mosquitoes can get pretty fierce.”

“Tell me about it!” She shuddered as she thought about the previous evening. “There are bugs here that look prehistoric. And then those lizards. Good god, there are billions. They creep me out. Not to mention the frogs. What in the world are those gray zombie frogs? Oh my god, they’re creepy. And armadillos? I had no idea they were so fast and noisy.”

“You’re scared of all that—plus rats and snakes?”

She blushed and shrugged.

“Well, damn sugar, pick one cause if you’re afraid of all of ‘em you’re not gonna survive here.”

Ellie felt heat on her face. “I guess I do sound like a real…”

“City girl?”

She shrugged. “Well, you know. My grandmother’s house was in a small little neighborhood all packed in with everyone else’s. Only time I was near any woods was at your farm. After you moved, I never really got back out to the country much.”

“So, you stayed in Matthews?”

“Yeah. Well, no, but I just moved to Charlotte, in the Dilworth area.”

“Yeah, I know it. Our older brother Colton moved back to North Carolina after he left the military, and he said that area is now the hot place to live—all fixed up and trendy. So, what’d you do there? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Worked. Lived.”

“Is there a Mr. Ellie in Charlotte?”

She looked at the tea glass in her hand. “There was. He died.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…”

“It’s okay.”

“How did he die?”

“It was…” She took a sip of her tea before continuing. “Well, it was kind of a freak thing. We’d been married almost five years. Dan was a decent guy, but I guess we just weren’t well suited. We spent more time arguing than anything. And we kind of lost interest in each other pretty fast.

“Anyway, for our fifth anniversary he booked us into a hotel near the fairgrounds. I always loved going to the state fair. And he paid for us to take a hot air balloon ride. I’d always wanted to do that.

“But the room had a leak over the bed, and I said something snarky about it the morning of the balloon ride and we got into a fight, and he stormed out. He went on the ride alone.

“So…while he was in the balloon, there was an old World War 2 air show going on. And one of the pilots, an actual pilot from the war, had a heart attack. His plane hit the balloon and the balloon went down. Right on top of the tilt-a-whirl.

“Miraculously, no one else was hurt, but Dan was killed. “

When Cam said nothing, she looked up at him. He just shook his head. “I’m sorry. I swear I’m sorry but…but damn. It sounds like something out of a bad movie.”

She nodded. “Yeah, it does. Freak thing.”

“No kidding. So, at some point after that, your father died and left you his place. What made you decide to move here?”

“Money.”

“Money?”

“Lack thereof. I didn’t know Dan had taken a second mortgage on our home and gambled up a mountain of debt. I couldn’t make enough so I lost the house. And then I lost my primary job.”

“Downsized?”

“Fired.”

“Ouch. Why? I mean if you don’t mind me asking.”

“I punched my boss in the face.”

“Oh hey, not a smart move.”

“He deserved it.”

“Yeah? How so?”

“He pinched me.”

Cam’s mouth opened then closed and he nodded. “Inappropriately I’m guessing.”

“Yep.”

“So here you are.”

“So here I am.”

“And what now?”

Ellie turned to face him. “I wish I knew. Find work. Try and make sense out of who my father was and why he left his place to me.”

“Can’t you ask your grandmother?”

“She’s gone.”

“Damn, I’m sorry Ellie. Isn’t there anyone left you can ask?”

She shook her head. “Nope. All alone.”

Cam reached out and put his big warm hand on her leg, just above her knee. “You’re not alone, Ellie. Me and Clint and Lily are here.”

“Thanks, but I wasn’t trying to get sympathy or—”

“And I wasn’t giving it. Just stating a fact. Come on, Ellie. We grew up together, and now we’re neighbors. We should be able to depend on each other. And more important, we’re friends.”

“Are we?”

“We were. Once. I’d like to be again.”

“Why?” The word was out before she has sense enough to stop her mouth from flapping.

“Because…because…ah hell.” He leaned over and kissed her. It wasn’t a passionate kiss, but it sparked something to life inside her. Something she hadn’t felt in a very long time. It took all her self-control not to latch onto him.

“I’d like to get to know you, again Ellie,” he said as his lips moved away from hers. “If you’re interested, that is.”

She nodded. “I am.”

“Good,” he said with a smile. “Then how about after dinner, we take a ride?”

“To where?”

“On horseback.”

“Horseback?”

“You do ride, don’t you?”

“Uh, no. Not since the last time I sat behind you on Barkley.”

Cam grinned. “Damn, Barkley. He was one ornery thing, wasn’t he?”

Ellie laughed. “Remember when he bit that boy…what was his name…Oh! Danny Metcalf. He bit Danny on the butt?”

Cam chuckled. “I’d forgotten about that. Okay, so maybe we’ll table that ride until another day. But I’ll teach you to ride if you want.”

“I’d like that.”

“And for tonight, maybe we’ll just take a walk.”

“What about snakes?”

“Don’t worry, they won’t bother us.”

“You’re sure.”

“I’ll protect you, Ellie. Promise.”

She knew he didn’t mean anything by that, but his words were a balm. She’d been afraid and alone for so long that even an empty promise was welcome to her ears.

Cam looked down at her neck. “What?” she asked.

“Is that the same necklace you had when we were kids?”

“Oh!” Ellie’s hand went to the silver chain that circled her neck. “Yes.”

“I always wondered why you never took it off. Most girls had a hundred, but you always wore that same one.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s something my father left for me. My grandmother gave it to me a few weeks after he left me with her. She said my father said I should always wear it and never take it off.”

“And you have?”

She nodded and gave him a self-depreciating smile. “I guess it made me feel close to him at first and later…well, later I was just accustomed to it being there.”

“Ya’ll ready to get these steaks on the grill?” Lily’s voice interrupted the moment.

“Yep.” Clint gave Ellie a wink and stood. “I’m on it.”

Ellie sat back and watched, thinking how nice it must be to have family, to have people to depend on and people who loved you. And that led her to wondering. Why had her father walked away from her and was his leaving the reason she had such trouble with relationships?

Was she not capable of giving the kind of love she so desperately wanted? And did she have it in her to accept and appreciate it if offered or would she screw it up? Most importantly at the moment was why in the world was she sitting there wishing that Cam Marsh would be the man who made all that come true for her?