Healing Cathy Read online

  “It’s illegal.”

  Cathy rolled her eyes. “I think she’s only married to one on paper. Fiona told me, their cousin, the sheriff, performed the ceremony.”

  “Okay.” Jamie sighed, “Give me some time. I want to check and make sure Chief Farris kept up his end and kept your involvement confidential. If he didn’t, you can’t go there, hon. We’ll have to put our heads together and come up with a second choice.”

  “Okay, but I really think my friend’s place is best.”

  “You’re basing this on what?”

  “Call it a gut feeling. We will be safe there.”

  “I’ll call you back within the hour. Get packed and be ready to head out.”

  She hung up the phone and stared at it for a few minutes, delaying the inevitable conversation with Laura. She didn’t want to rehash this morning. She didn’t want to talk about it, but she needed to tell her friend, in case Bud came around looking for her.

  “So, what’s going on?”

  “That was my ex-brother-in-law Jamie; he came by the store this morning to tell me that Bud was out of jail. They didn’t even tell us he was up for early release. Jamie is still trying to figure out what happened. Jamie only found out because Bud came by his house looking for me. Now I have to leave town. I hate this.” She took a fortifying breath. She didn’t want Luke to see her upset; he was scared enough.

  “No wonder you were looking around like Paranoid Pete. I’ll tell Stan, but I won’t tell anyone else what’s going on or where you are heading, so don’t worry about that.”

  “I wasn’t, but if he comes around and threatens to hurt you-”

  Laura cut her off. “I won’t tell him shit. I’ve got a gun and I am not afraid to use it. Are you sure about going there?”

  “Yes. I’ll be safe there.”

  Laura grabbed Cathy’s hands and held them. “If something happens and you aren’t safe or if they, god forbid, turn you away, call me. I have friends in Hill Country, places you can go and will be safe, understand?”

  “Yes, I got it.”

  “What about money? Do you need some?”

  Cathy shook her head. “No, Jamie gave me some, it’s plenty.” That’s was the understatement of the century. She had fifty thousand dollars in an envelope and according to Jamie that was only a quarter of what he got for the 1967 Mustang Shelby GT500 Fastback. She felt guilty as hell taking money that would pay for Abbie’s college education.

  “So, two men, huh?”

  Cathy giggled. “I knew you couldn’t ignore that detail.”

  “Are they hot?”

  “Smoking.”

  “Oh girl, maybe you’ll get lucky and find a couple of cowboys for yourself.”

  “I don’t think that’s in the cards for me. I can’t go there again.”

  “Oh honey, I used to say the same thing, then I met Stan. Look at me now. There’s a great guy or guys,” Laure wagged her eyebrows, “waiting out there for you and he’s going to cherish you.”

  “Maybe.” Cathy shrugged.

  “You’ll see. You need to pick up a prepaid phone, use cash, so you can contact me. That way there isn’t a record.”

  “Way ahead of you. I bought one from the competition before I picked Luke up at school.”

  “Good girl. Promise to call me if you need me, or Stan. Promise. Let me know when you get there and are safe.”

  “I promise, I will.”

  Laura hugged her. “I better go so you can pack and get out of here. Don’t forget to call me when you get there so I will know you made it. Oh and have Jamie call me and give me his contact info in case I see your ex.”

  “I will. Luke! Come say goodbye to Aunt Laura.”

  Luke raced into the den and flung his arms around Laura’s waist. “I’ll miss you, Aunt Laura. My dad is out of jail so we have to leave here. We don’t want him to find us, he’s bad and mean.”

  It took all of Cathy’s will not break down and cry, as she listened to her son. Children shouldn’t be afraid of their parents. She watched Laura hug Luke as she whispered words of comfort and encouragement in his ear.

  Cathy added the last of her toiletries to her vanity case and her phone rang. She looked at the caller I.D. and the time and smiled. Jamie was always true to his word.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey Cat. You're good to go. I spoke with Chief Farris and he confirmed your identity was left out of his reports. He said the only people privy to your identity was himself and Fiona’s family.”

  “That’s good enough for me. We’re out of here.”

  “Call me when you get there and are safe. If you run into problems, feel unsafe, see Bud, whatever, go to the nearest police department or public area and call 911. Got it?”

  “Aye, aye, captain.”

  “Smart ass. We love you.”

  “Love you, too. Kisses to the girls.”

  “You got it. Talk to you soon.”

  Five minutes later, they were on the road and on the way to the Double C Ranch in Copper Creek. She would call Fiona when she got closer to the ranch. She hoped her friend wouldn’t turn her away. Fiona said if she ever needed anything, they would be there for her. Her men had reiterated that sentiment. Cathy had to believe they meant it because she had nowhere else to go.

  Chapter 2

  “How much longer until we get to that ranch, Mom?” Luke asked as he munched on his French fries. They stopped at a popular family restaurant. Cathy knew with as many families that frequented the place, the wait staff most likely wouldn’t remember them.

  “A couple of hours.” At least she hoped. Their route to get to Copper Creek, took them through San Antonio, instead of Austin. Austin would have been quicker, but Cathy felt safer using their current route.

  Cathy hadn’t called Fiona yet. There was still that tiny voice in her head that told her she wasn’t worthy of help or of friends. That voice, that sounded an awful lot like Bud. Cathy knew the voice was wrong, she fought to ignore it, but she could never quite silence it. Fiona didn’t strike her as a person who said or promised things she didn’t mean, but old beliefs died hard.

  When they were on the road again, Cathy pulled up Fiona’s contact information, took a calming breath, and placed the call.

  “Hello?”

  “Fiona? It’s Cathy.”

  “Hey! How are you? You better be calling to tell me that you changed your mind and are coming for Emma Grace’s birthday.”

  Cathy smiled, at least Fiona was happy she called. Maybe it wouldn’t be a problem after all. “Actually, um, I’m in San Antonio and was wondering if that invitation to come visit anytime was still good. I know we are a week early and I’m sorry I didn’t call earlier, but I was in a hurry. I know it’s bad manners and I would understand if you said no.” She shut her mouth to stop the babbling. It’s okay if you say, no? Did she really say that out loud?

  “Of course it’s still open. You’re welcome any time. Right now, I am more worried about why you left home in such a hurry. What’s wrong?”

  “Can we talk about it when I get there?”

  “Of course. Do you need me to send help or an escort?” Then in a singsong voice, she added. “I have plenty of men at my disposal and they are all really ho-ot.”

  Cathy giggled. “I think we can make it just fine, but that’s good to know.”

  “You better be talking about us mate. You should not be finding any other men hot!”

  “Hush, Cade!”

  Holy shit! She hoped Fiona’s men knew she was only kidding. They wouldn’t hurt her, would they? Fiona said they were good guys, but men are jealous creatures.

  Fiona came back on the line “Sorry, about that. You still there?”

  “Um, yeah. I-Is everything okay? Cade sounded mad.”

  “Nah, he’s fine. Just being Cade. He’s needs to realize that all though I am theirs, I am not blind.” Fiona snickered. “He’ll get over it.”

  “You sure?”

  “Of cours
e.” The teasing tone Fiona had earlier was gone, replaced by softness and understanding. “They would never hurt me. I promise it’s fine.”

  Cathy sighed. She sometimes forgot not all me were like Bud, most of them weren’t if she were being honest with herself. “I’m sorry Fiona. I know he’s a good guy. Old habits and all.”

  “It’s cool. So when will we see you?”

  “About two hours.”

  “Drive safe. Call me if you need us.”

  ****

  Fiona ended the call feeling a sense of dread, something was wrong with her friend. She sounded tense and scared. Even if Fiona hadn’t developed enhanced abilities, which included being able to feel the emotions of her pack and those she cared about, she would have known something was wrong. You just don’t up and take your kid out of school and leave town on a whim.

  Cade wrapped his arms around her. “What’s wrong? Worried about that spanking Dec is going to give you when I tell him about all the ‘hot men’ at your disposal?”

  Fiona snorted. “Yeah, I’m quaking, in my wee little boots.”

  Cade popped her on the ass. “Don’t be sassy.” He nuzzled her neck. “Seriously though, what’s wrong? Who was that on the phone?”

  “Cathy.”

  “The blue sucker lady?”

  Fiona laughed at the running joke. “Yeah. Something’s wrong. She said she was on her way here and that they would be here in a couple of hours. She sounded scared. I think she’s in trouble, but she wouldn’t say over the phone. Cathy said she would tell us when they got here.”

  “They?”

  “Her and her son.” She looked over her shoulder at Cade. “That’s why I offered the men thing and FYI, I may be mated but I am not blind. Every man in this pack is good looking. It’s like there is something in the water. But they don’t do anything for me.”

  Cade flashed his dimples at her. “That’s good to know.” He leaned in and gave her a lingering kiss. “If you think there is trouble, then I’m sure you are right. You have great instincts, angel. I’ll alert the pack and let everyone one know we will have a couple of human visitors.”

  ****

  Cathy was exhausted by time she turned on to the farm to market road that led to the Double C. Luke fell asleep an hour ago. They both had been running on adrenalin. Luke tried to act as if he were okay, but Cathy knew better. She could see the stress in her son’s eyes and in the tilt of his mouth. She felt so guilty sometimes. It was her fault he had a father like Bud. On one hand, she regretted every marrying William “Bud” Latimer, but on the other, she didn’t. Without Bud, she wouldn’t have Luke, and her little boy was her pride and joy.

  “In a quarter mile, your destination will be on the right.”

  She jerked the wheel. “Son of a bitch,” she whispered. She had been so lost in thought, she forgot about the GPS. Damn, thing scared the hell out of her. She turned the device off when the GPS alerted her about her destination again. Her nerves were fried, and that voice made her want to scream.

  She slowly turned onto the long drive and drove under the archway that announced the Double C Ranch. It took a few minutes before the house came into view. It was lit up like a Christmas tree. It looked as though the whole house was waiting up for her. Her hands started to shake and her mouth went dry. She felt as if she were going to have a panic attack.

  Jesus, chill out, girl. Fiona probably left them all on, so you wouldn’t freak out about how dark it is out here. I’m sure it’s just her and her men up at this hour. She continued to reassure herself as she pulled along the circular drive and stopped in front of the door. Cathy wasn’t sure where she should park exactly, so she figured it was as good a place as any. She could always move it later. The front door opened and Fiona and her men stepped out before she parked the car. One of the men walked down the steps towards her car. She thought it might be Cade. He came around to her door and opened it to help her out.

  “Hi, Cathy. Not sure if you remember me, I’m Cade. Welcome to the Double C.” He took her hand to help her out the car. He continued to talk as she stared dumbly at him. “Why don’t you hit the button for the trunk and I will get your bags out.” He shot her a smile and raised his eyebrows.

  “Oh, yeah, right. Sorry. It’s good to see you again, Cade.” She unlocked the back door and roused Luke. “Baby, wake up. We’re here.”

  Luke opened his eyes and blinked a few times before sitting up and looking around. “Are we at that ranch, Mom?”

  “We sure are. Let’s get you out and you can meet everyone.”

  “Are they nice here?” He whispered. She nodded.

  “I like to think we are.” Cade spoke startling both her and Luke. How the hell did he hear that?

  She helped Luke out of the car and watched in amusement as he looked up and then up some more to look at Cade. Cathy watched as Cade set their bags on the ground and crouched down in front of Luke. Cathy thought that was about the sweetest thing she had ever seen. Cade didn’t want to tower over Luke and scare him.

  Cade held out his hand. “I’m Cade. What’s your name?”

  Luke looked over at her to make sure it was okay before he introduced himself to Cade. “I’m Luke. Nice to meet you, sir.”

  “Call me, Cade, Luke.”

  “Mister Cade.” Cathy corrected.

  Cade laughed. “No wonder you and Fee get along so well. Right, I’m Mister Cade.” He said to Luke with a smile.

  “Mom is all about the manners.”

  ****

  Declan observed Cathy as she made her way up the steps to hug Fiona. Fee was right; the pretty, little redhead was in trouble. “She’s running scared, Cade.”

  “I know. I can feel it. Hell, I can see it. A blind man could see the stress and fear written all over her face. Her eyes are haunted. Luke looks terrified. What’s the plan?”

  “We need to know what kind of trouble she’s in and how it could endanger the pack. We have to make plans and provisions. We need to be ready, in case who or what made her run, follows her here.”

  “We should call Paul. Make sure everything is documented.”

  “I’ll text him and have him come by tomorrow. We don’t need to hash it out tonight, they look exhausted.”

  “What if her trouble follows?”

  “Eliminate it as legally as possible. I don’t want to bring undue attention to the pack. No matter what it is, we’ll help her. We owe her our life. Cathy had helped Fiona when she needed it most.” That wasn’t the only reason Declan would help her. He, like the rest of the men in his pack, hated to see an innocent in trouble, especially one with a kind and loving heart like Cathy O’Brien.

  Declan had the woman checked out last year when Fiona wanted to invite her to their wedding. He knew Cathy’s ex-husband was serving time for assaulting her. He knew she volunteered at the women’s shelter run by her next-door neighbors. She was a loving mother who worked long hours to provide for her son. He smiled as he watched his mate’s eyes light up and a wide smile adorn her soft, sweet lips. As the women hugged and greeted one another, he looked at Cade.

  Cade smiled at Declan. “I certainly can’t turn her away, if for no other reason than to keep that smile on our mate’s face.”

  “I know what you mean. It’s as if the world goes a little brighter every time she smiles.”

  Chapter 3

  Cathy hugged Fiona, feeling safe for the first time in well, ever. Even though Bud had been in prison, she never felt a hundred percent safe. Always waiting for him or one of his friends to walk through her door and finish what Bud started that night in the street. For a reason Cathy could not reconcile, she felt secure here, as if nothing could touch her.

  “It’s so good to see you Fiona. You look great. It’s obvious married life agrees with you.”

  The tiny woman looked up at her and smiled. “It does.” She turned to Declan. “You remember Declan.”

  “I do, yes.” She smiled at him and hoped he didn’t see how nervous sh
e was. “How are you?”

  “I’m doing well, thank you. Welcome to our home.” He looked at her with those liquid silver eyes and she struggled not to break their connection. It was unnerving as if he could read her mind or was trying to, at least. “You and your son are safe here and are welcome to stay here as long as you need to, even permanently.”

  A lump formed in her throat and she fought tears. His kindness was overwhelming and she could see that it was genuine. She croaked, “Thank you.” She cleared her throat. “I would like to introduce you to my son, Luke. Luke this is Fiona.”

  Fiona held out her hand to Luke. “Hello there Mr. Luke. How old are you?”

  Luke puffed up and shook Fiona’s hand like a man. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Fiona. I turned seven, last month. Mom took me and some of my friends to play paintball and have pizza. I got a new bike. It was great.”

  “Wow, nice.”

  “Heck yeah, it’s nice.” Cade held his hand out to Luke for a high-five. “Can I come to your next party, cuz that seriously sounds awesome.”

  “Sure, Mr. Cade. You can be on my team. We’ll kick butt, you're huge.”

  Fiona put an arm around Luke’s shoulders. “You are going to have a blast around here. In the morning, Mr. Cade and Mr. Declan can take you to meet the horses. Emma Grace, that’s my daughter, she’s about to turn four, but her best friend is close to your age. Jay is seven and a half. He said the half is very important. I’m sure you will all get along great. There are other children that live on the ranch as well.” She smiled at him. Luke looked over at Declan.

  Declan held out his hand. “I’m Declan.”

  “Hello, Mr. Declan.”

  “Why don’t we all go inside?”

  Cathy followed Declan and Fiona inside and Cade followed behind them with their bags.

  “Are y’all hungry?” Fiona asked. “What about you Mr. Luke? Do you need a midnight snack?”

  “It’s midnight?” Luke’s eyes were wide with shock. “I’ve never been up that late before.”

  Cathy laughed. “No it’s not midnight. It’s a little after nine.”