“I’m glad that you and your brothers found your woman, but I think knowing all the details and actually seeing the murder on tape will make things worse for you and for Millie. Take this seriously, but also let the woman live her life. We’ll be stepping up security around the ranch. I suggest we go over to Millie right now and break the news then explain the new sleeping arrangements.”
“Oh God, Wyatt. She’s going to take this hard.”
“I’m sure. We’ll explain together.”
* * * *
Millie had been speaking with one of the social workers, Cindy, in the main office. She had expressed concern over one of the new women that arrived last night named Sally.
“So, I think she really doesn’t understand why we have this place. She seems to think that she can kick back for a while, get everything for free, and then leave whenever she wants to. She was also flirting with some of the ranch hands earlier. She shouldn’t even be over toward that side of the ranch,” Cindy stated.
“I’ll go talk to her and explain the rules. If she’s not interested in accepting the terms of the shelter, then she’s gone. Rules are set for a reason.”
“I appreciate it, Millie.”
Millie headed out toward one of the cottages. She noticed Sally leaning over the fence, trying to gain Jeremy’s attention. That just immediately pissed her off, but she pushed those initial feelings aside and went on over to speak with Sally.
“Sally?”
The redhead turned around and gave Millie the once-over.
“Who are you?”
“The name is Millie. I’m one of the main people involved with the shelter. I’d like to talk to you.”
“What about? Can’t you see I’m busy checking out the local attractions?”
Millie swallowed her annoyance.
“First of all, you aren’t supposed to be over here flirting with any men. Secondly, I think you and I need to go over the rules.”
“What, are you jealous? Afraid I’ll gather me up a handful of good-looking cowboys and you’ll be left a fat old maid?”
“Now you listen here, Sally. This is not a place for women who are looking to fool around and end up in trouble again. This is a place for women in need of support and shelter after sustaining abuse and neglect.”
“I heard what this place is all about. I can stay if I want to. It’s government-funded anyway. It’s not like you own the place.”
“Actually, it’s not government-funded, and I do own the place along with my sisters. If you can’t abide by our rules, then you’re out of here. Take it or leave it.”
“Hey, Millie. We gonna get together for lunch?” Jeremy asked as he tipped his hat toward Millie then Sally.
Millie felt her cheeks redden as Sally gave her a smirk that said it all. She was busted and now Sally would purposely flirt with Jeremy to get at Millie. Millie needed to talk with Anna and Stacy and get Sally out of there.
“Sure, Jeremy. I was headed back now. I just want to remind Sally that she needs to remain in the designated area of the facility.”
Jeremy must have picked up on Millie’s attitude because he gave Sally the once-over then nodded his head at Millie.
“I’ll meet you out front by the office.”
“So, that’s your boyfriend, huh? How about the other one? You got ahold of him, too? Because if ya don’t, I sure would like to sink my teeth into him. Anthony, I think his name is.”
Millie felt her blood boiling. Damn it, why did this bitch have to come here looking for trouble?
“They’re both mine, and by the way you’re acting, I don’t expect you to be around here for much longer. I’ll send one of the deputies to explain the rules then, honey.” Millie walked away. She could hear Sally cursing her out, but at least she got the last word in.
She also figured maybe Sally was acting so tough and trying to cause a fight because of the trouble she was in. Maybe she would have Cindy speak with her one-on-one again and get to the bottom of things. She personally knew how difficult it was to talk about certain experiences in life. It had taken Millie so long to confide in Anna and Stacy about Frank’s abuse, so long that it nearly cost her her life. As if that h
adn’t been enough, Millie didn’t even tell her best friends about Stewart. If she had, she may have wound up in Pearl after Frank’s assault. Millie shook her head as Stewart entered her mind. He was a mean, self-centered, egotistical jerk who didn’t deserve to be respected. People like him destroyed innocent lives on a daily basis.