“I always knew the Calders were paranoid about you, Uncle Max. I told you how they reacted when they learned about my connection to you,” Sloan reminded him. “Trey said something today that made me realize the Calders are absolutely convinced this is some evil plot by you to get revenge for Boone’s death. Trey even said you had taken his son as payment for your own. He thinks that ultimately, through Jake, you intend to take control of everything the Calders own.”
“What nonsense,” Max scoffed.
“But it’s real to them,” Sloan explained. “That’s what is so terrifying. You can’t reason with them.”
“It’s that western attitude of theirs. Probably comes from the days of the old cattle barons. Shoot first and ask questions later. Violence has always been a way of life for the Calders.” Reluctance was in the look he gave Sloan. “You might as well know that my son wasn’t the first man to die at the hands of a Calder.”
“But according to findings at the inquest, Quint was only defending himself.” Sloan had the impression Max was saying something different now.
“That’s what the only eyewitness testified. Of course, a few months later, she married Echohawk. So I can’t say, in all honesty, that’s what really happened. Knowing my son, though, I recognize it’s entirely possible. Something tells me the Calders would never admit to anything similar.”
“As far as they’re concerned, they’re always right,” Sloan agreed with resentment.
“It’s an arrogance they have. It allows them to justify any action they take. Quite honestly, Sloan, it’s the reason I insisted that you come here. Alone, you wouldn’t have been able to stop them if they walked in and took the baby. Once they had him, you would have played hell trying to even see your son, with all the judges they have in their pockets. Here, there are too many guards. You can bet your husband saw that when he came today.”
“But what happens when I have to take Jake to Montana?” Fear was just below the surface, gnawing at her nerves.
“You and the baby will be safe. I’ll see to it,” Max promised. “I don’t care if it takes a battery of lawyers or army of bodyguards. When you leave that state your son will be in your arms. Believe that.”
She did. “I don’t know how I can thank you for everything you’re doing, Uncle Max.”
“For starters, you can stop worrying and leave everything to me. Deal?” He smiled.
“It’s a deal.” For the first time all day, Sloan didn’t have to force the smile she gave him.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The first evening star winked in the night sky, keeping watch over a sickle moon. Indifferent to it, Laredo focused his attention on the plane making its final approach to the ranch’s landing strip. The night breeze stiffened enough to prompt Laredo to turn his collar up to escape its cold fingers.
With barely a thud the plane touched down. The night’s quiet was broken by the squeal of its brakes and slowing thrust of its engines. Laredo never budged from his watching post beside the pickup until the aircraft taxied to a stop on the apron.
Reaching inside the cab, he switched on the truck’s headlights to make it easier for Trey to locate him when he deplaned. He was quick to note the slow, heavy way Trey came down the steps but careful not to read too much into it. He waited until they were face to face to make his assessment. The weary flatness in Trey’s eyes showed the aftereffects of a long and stressful day.
“How was the flight?” The casual question was Laredo’s way of opening his probe for information.
“Long. Both of them,” Trey added dryly.
“But you didn’t run into any major problems?”
“Nope.” Tr
ey circled to the passenger side and climbed into the cab, dropping the soft-sided bag on the floorboard by his feet. “Rutledge had guards all over the place. Getting past them was a hassle, but that was about all. One of them tailed me back to the airport. I imagine Rutledge wanted to make sure I left town.”
“And little Jake, he was all right, too?” Laredo gave the ignition key a turn.
“He was fine.” Trey’s mouth curved at the mention of his son. Then a soberness returned.
“I don’t imagine Sloan was too happy to see you.”
A muscle flexed along his jaw. “She must think I’m really gullible.”
“Why do you say that?” Laredo threw him a curious glance and steered the pickup away from the hangar area.
“Because she tried to make me believe that Rutledge had nothing to do with her taking Jake and leaving. She claimed he merely helped. Good God.” Anger surfaced in his voice. “You should have seen the room Jake was in. It was no temporary setup, but a full-fledged nursery. Want to bet Rutledge had it ready and waiting long before she ever left the hospital with Jake?”
“Probably,” Laredo agreed. “Did she get served with the notice for the custody hearing?”
“Yeah. Breedon, the Texas attorney Quint recommended, guaranteed that her lawyer will try to get it postponed.”