Texas Tall - Janet Dailey Page 0,28
Will emptied the steaming cocoa into a mug, skipping the marshmallows, which were too sweet for his taste.
“Daddy, can I go out and see Tesoro?” Erin asked. “Sky’s out there. I just saw him drive up.”
“Have you finished your schoolwork?”
She grinned. “All done.”
“Fine, then. But put on a coat. It’s brisk out there.”
Erin raced to get her coat. The front door opened and closed as she left the house. Will took a cautious sip of hot cocoa and settled back in his chair. He’d hoped to catch the old man alone for a quiet talk.
“I rode out to the petroglyph canyon today,” he said. “Lauren promised me Sunday that she’d free up the water in that little side canyon. It’s been done. The fence and the sign are gone, too.”
Jasper’s gaze narrowed beneath his grizzled brows. “But the gal hasn’t budged on selling you back that land, has she?”
“She asked for more time. I’m trying to be patient and give her some rope.” Will studied the man who’d been more of a father to him than Bull Tyler ever had. “You don’t like her much, do you?”
Jasper’s scowl deepened. “She seems nice enough, all right. And she makes Sky smile, which takes some doin’. But she’s Garn Prescott’s daughter and Ol’ Ferg’s granddaughter, and they was both rotten, no-good skunks! I’ll never trust a Prescott as long as I live!”
Will shook his head. “Well, I hope you change your mind, Jasper. When Lauren marries Sky, she’ll be family.”
“She’ll still be a Prescott. I’ll wait to pass judgment.”
“Speaking of Old Ferg,” Will said, changing the subject, “I’ve always wondered why my dad sold him that little canyon—and for just a dollar. You’ve been with our family longer than anybody on the ranch, even me. I know there are stories Bull never wanted told. But he’s gone, and I need to know. Are you ready to tell me?”
“Maybe.” Jasper’s mouth tightened as if holding back the secret. Will waited, giving the old man a moment to ponder. When Jasper cleared his throat, Will braced for what he was about to hear.
“This was after your mother was killed in that wreck, you understand,” Jasper began. “Bull loved his wife. He mourned her till the day he died. But there was another woman he loved, too. He sold the land because of her—and to protect you and Beau.”
Will nodded, knowing better than to speak.
“I’m telling secrets I swore not to tell,” Jasper said. “But since I might not be long for this world, maybe it’s time you heard. Bull got the woman pregnant. She knew she couldn’t expect him to marry her, so she went home to her people in Oklahoma. She left a letter meant for Bull, but Ferg Prescott got his thievin’ hands on it first. There were things in that letter that could’ve dirtied Bull’s reputation, if they came out, and hurt his children down the line.
“The blackmailing bastard offered Bull the letter in exchange for selling him that piece of land.” Jasper pushed to his feet, a signal that the story was done. “So now you know. That’s just one reason why I don’t trust the Prescotts, and there are plenty of others.”
“What about the woman?” Will asked, already guessing the answer.
“Bull sent a man to find her and give her money for the baby. But he never saw her again.”
“She was Sky’s mother, wasn’t she? Does Sky know?”
“He does. I told him. And I reckon he’s told Lauren.” Jasper hobbled toward the kitchen door.
“One more thing,” Will said. “What about the Spanish gold? Is there anything to that old rumor?”
Pausing in the open doorway, Jasper turned and gave Will a dark glance. “I’ve told you enough,” he said. “That’s a story for another time—if I ever choose to tell it.”
* * *
Being with Drew was just the diversion Tori needed. Tonight’s date—pizza, cokes at the Burger Shack, and a silly romantic movie—had made her feel seventeen again. They walked out of the theater arm in arm.
Now what?
Wind blasted them as they walked down the block to his sleek gray Honda. “You’ve got school tomorrow. It’s probably past your bedtime.” Tori managed a nervous laugh. “I sound like I’m talking to Erin, don’t I?”
He ushered her to his car and opened the door, the perfect gentleman. “Actually, I’m not quite ready to turn in. How about a nice, grown-up beer at the Blue Coyote? We can wind down and talk a little. Sound good?”
“Sure,” Tori answered, hesitant but wanting to