Story Wayne's New Beginning

Chapter 26​



Wayne walked into the house and filled a glass with cold water from the sink. The taste still surprised him: clean, faintly sweet, and better than any tap water he remembered drinking. That made him think about the source itself, how deep the well was, when it had last been tested, and whether Maggie had kept records somewhere. He pulled out his notebook, the twin to the one he had given Connie to carry around and wrote: Test well water.

He went into the office and decided it was time to start going through the paperwork on the desk and in the drawers. When he turned his chair, he noticed, with dismay, a bank of six file drawers tucked beneath the cushioned bump-out window. He scooted to the leftmost drawer and pulled the handle. It opened only half an inch. Then he noticed the next two drawers had shifted too. He pushed the drawer closed and pulled the middle drawer of the three. To his surprise, all three opened together. Tucked across the connected drawers was a Mossberg twelve-gauge shotgun, with boxes of shells lined neatly along the back. Good to know, he thought. The discovery made the office feel less like a workspace and more like another one of Maggie and Mike’s quiet warnings. He continued through the bank of drawers and found well-organized folders on Mike and Maggie’s family history, tax statements, Maggie’s insurance information, and Mike’s business papers. Those caught his attention. Funny that Maggie would have held on to them for so many years, he thought. He pulled a file and skimmed through it. From what he could tell, some part of Mike’s old business was still operating, even though Mike had been gone for decades. Leonard had mentioned handling Mike’s affairs. Wayne added it to the growing mental list, then closed the drawer and went to see how Connor was doing.

Rover looked up as he passed and wagged her tail. “Come on, girl. Let’s go for a walk.” They stepped out through the kitchen door and paused, listening. Somewhere near the barn, a brush cutter snarled through weeds. Wayne followed the sound and found Connor behind the garage, guiding a walk-behind string trimmer through a patch of overgrowth. Connor shut it down when Rover bounded ahead of Wayne. “That’s a nice little machine,” Wayne said.

“Yep. I love it,” Connor said, wiping sweat from his forehead with the back of one glove. “It’s lightweight, the big wheels make it easy to handle, and I can trim most anywhere without killing my back. I still have a gas brush saw, but after a full day with that thing, I’m walking hunched over like an old man. This walk-behind is faster, and the line lasts longer than a regular trimmer.” He glanced toward the trees behind the garage. “Come over here. I wanted to show you something.”

They walked toward the trees. Connor pulled out his own notebook, which already held a rough sketch of the buildings and the plants he had found. “While I was mowing, I started mapping the trees around the farm. Then, when I was trimming, I added notes about the bushes. You’ve got several nut trees and berry bushes. I’ll check my books at home tonight to make sure I identify everything correctly. There’s a good blackberry and raspberry patch near the garden. It needs rejuvenation, but it’s big enough that you could make preserves and jams if we get it back into shape. I also found asparagus, rhubarb, and Jerusalem artichokes near the garden.” He tapped the page with his pencil. “We’ll have to watch the chokes. They spread fast and can turn into a problem if nobody manages them. Anyway, this is the start of the plant map. I’ll make an electronic version and get you a copy. Most everything looks like it hasn’t been tended in a couple of years. Somebody has been keeping the lawn from getting completely out of hand, but I don’t know who.”

“I’ve been wondering about that myself,” Wayne said. “I have a few things to ask Leonard. Anything else I should know?”

Connor glanced at his notes. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to have the agriculture agent or someone from the technical college come out and look the place over. We could talk through plant and animal options, soil quality, and what we should focus on first. I don’t want to waste your money or my time guessing when there are people around here who know more than I do.”

“That is a great suggestion, Connor. Please set something up for next week and let me know the time so I can put it on my calendar. Also, can you look into getting the well water tested?”

“Actually, I found a second wellhead over by the barn,” Connor said. “There’s a hand pump, and it looks like electrical wires going down the casing, so we’ll need to figure out how that system is set up. I can get that water tested at the same time.” He checked his notebook again. “The greenhouse has some glass that needs to be reset. The chicken coop needs cleaning too. It doesn’t look like anyone dealt with it after your aunt passed. I can handle both. I also found a stack of hog panels and posts leaning against the far side of the barn. Looks like somebody planned to add a few hogs, but I didn’t see any post holes or installed fencing. There are water and feed troughs turned upside down under the lean-to.”

“Lean-to?” Wayne frowned. “I don’t recall a lean-to on the barn. Of course, I barely remembered there was a barn at all. I’ve been away for too long, and when I did visit Maggie, she kept me busy around the house, or we sat on the shore of the Oxbow and fished.” He looked at Connor. “Do you like to fish?”

“Sure,” Connor said. “Like any kid, I liked fishing. Once I started my business, though, I didn’t have much time for it.”

“Did you know I bought your Uncle Jay’s Jon boat?”

Connor looked surprised. “I had no idea. I went out on the river with Uncle Jay a few times years ago.”

“Well, the deal is Sheila made him drop the price in exchange for my promise to take him fishing. Why don’t you add yourself to the list too? I’d also like to look into putting a dock down on the Oxbow. Then we could run to the marina by boat instead of taking a truck. Is building a dock something your cousin Jared could help with? We could also have him handle some of the painting around here.”

“Sounds good, Wayne. I’ll give Jared a call and see if he can come out next week.”

“Now don’t you start saying that all the time,” Wayne said. “It’s weird enough hearing the twins say it in unison.”

Connor laughed, then tried and failed to sound casual. “Speaking of the twins, do you know if Jenny is seeing anybody?”

Wayne gave him a long look. “I thought I saw a little spark between the two of you at the kitchen table. I have no idea if she has a boyfriend. You’re going to have to figure that one out on your own. I have enough on my plate figuring out my new arrangements with your big sister.”

“Uh, Wayne,” Connor said, grinning, “I wouldn’t say big around her, or around any woman for that matter. Might get yourself in hot water, you know.” He made an exaggerated wink at Wayne.

Wayne laughed. “Sure do, Connor. Now you’ve got me sounding like everyone else with the sounds good and sure does comments.”

Connor’s grin faded as he looked back toward the garage. “Wayne, I was thinking about the apartment above the garage. If you don’t have a specific plan for it, would you consider renting it to me? I don’t like the place I’m staying now, and it’s pretty far out of the way. If I based my operation here, I could respond faster, keep an eye on the property, and store my equipment in one place instead of hauling it back and forth. I’d pay fair rent and help with chores after hours.” He swallowed, then met Wayne’s eyes. “I’m not asking for a handout. I’m trying to build something steady.”

Wayne studied him for a moment. Connor was young, but he was not drifting. He had notes in his pocket, tools in his truck, and a plan forming in his head. That mattered. “I’ll think about it, Connor, and I’ll discuss it with Connie too. She may not want anyone else living out here at the farm, if you know what I mean. But I respect the way you brought it up. You’re thinking like someone who wants to take responsibility.”

“Sounds good, Wayne.” Connor laughed and stepped out of the way as Wayne tried to swat him with his baseball cap.
 

Chapter 27​



Wayne and Rover walked back to the garage to check on the progress in the apartment. Jenny and Aimee were just finishing the floors; the rooms were scrubbed from top to bottom and smelling faintly of soap and lemon cleaner. Connie had left them to it and returned to the house. Wayne asked the girls to see whether Connie had anything else for them to do before they called it a day. On the way out, Jenny lingered at the top of the stairs. “Wayne,” she asked, trying and failing to sound casual, “do you know if Connor is seeing anyone?” Wayne looked at her for a moment, then laughed. “Why does everyone around here think I’m a matchmaker?” He smiled to take the sting out of it. “You’ll have to figure that out on your own. But I’ll tell you this much: he asked me the same question about you ten minutes ago.” Jenny’s eyes widened, and before she could respond, Wayne headed down the stairs, grinning to himself.

He found Connie in the kitchen, working over a simmering pot that filled the room with garlic, tomato, and herbs. “Hmm,” he said, stepping closer. “Smells good in here. What are you making?”

Connie smiled over her shoulder. “An old family recipe. Spaghetti and meatballs. I bet you didn’t know my grandma had the best sauce recipe in the world.”

Wayne reached for the spoon, hoping for a taste. Connie swatted his hand away with a towel. “Out of my kitchen, you barbarian.”

Wayne laughed. “Moved in less than a day, and it’s already your kitchen, huh?”

“Are you complaining, cowboy?”

“No, ma’am. Not me. Never.” He gave her a quick kiss. “The girls will be in here in a minute to ask whether you have anything else for them to do today.”

Connie stirred the sauce and thought for a moment. “Do you know what kind of canning supplies and equipment your aunt kept around here?”

“No, but when I was a teenager, I helped her process vegetables, and she did quite a bit of canning. I’m sure there are supplies in the basement. Why don’t you have Jenny and Aimee take a look down there, stay away from your boxes, and make an inventory of whatever else they find?” He leaned against the counter, his tone turning more serious. “And one more thing. Connor asked whether I had a plan for the apartment. I told him nothing specific yet. He wondered if I’d be willing to rent it to him. I said I’d talk to you first. From my perspective, it makes sense. Having another trusted person on the property would help with security, and basing his business here would save him time, fuel, and wear on his equipment.”

Connie’s expression softened. “I think it would be good to have Connor here. He’s a sweet person, if I do say so myself.” She smiled, but there was sadness behind it. “Both of my siblings have had a tough life. It would be good if I—if we—could help them get steadier footing.”

“Okay, I’ll talk to him. And you know, there’s something clicking between Connor and Jenny.” Wayne glanced toward the window. “We may end up with a lot of people in and out of this place. I’m fine with that if they’re good people and they have useful skills. But we need to be careful about who knows what.”

Wayne headed back outside to find Connor. He found him near his truck, talking with Jenny and Aimee. The conversation looked casual enough, but Connor stood straighter when he saw Wayne coming, as if he had remembered he was no longer just a kid from town but someone trusted with part of the farm. “Okay, kids,” Wayne said, smiling even though his eyes stayed serious. “What’s up?”

Connor glanced at the twins, then answered first. “We were catching up and comparing notes on what it’s like trying to run small businesses while the economy falls apart. I just got a call from another customer saying she can’t afford to keep using my services. I told her I understood, but that doesn’t make the math work any better.”

Jenny nodded. “We started our cleaning business right out of high school, and things went well for a few years. But cleaning houses, like landscaping, is one of the first things people cut when money gets tight.”

Aimee spoke up, surprising Wayne. “We just got a call from one of our regular customers canceling our weekly work. She cried while she did it. Said her husband’s hours were cut and she didn’t know how they were going to make the mortgage.”

Wayne sighed. “I can’t fix the economy, but I’ll do my best to keep my new friends busy around here.” He looked at each of them in turn. “The code for the front gate is 9137. Memorize it. Don’t write it down where anyone else can find it. We’re living in strange times. You all know about the economic pressure. You’ve also heard at least part of what happened with Connie. I take security seriously, and I need all of you to do the same.” His voice lowered. “Anything said or seen on this property stays between us. I may be the new guy around here, but I learned a long time ago not to be careless with people I don’t know. I trust you, or you wouldn’t be standing here. Help me keep it that way. If you notice anything unusual, if someone asks questions about the farm, or if anyone follows you here, tell me immediately.”

Then he turned to Connor. “I talked to Connie. She’s on board with you moving out here. We’ll work out the details when you come back tomorrow. I’m going to expect rent, but I’m also going to expect responsibility. If you base your business here, you help keep an eye on the place. You report problems before they become emergencies. You treat this farm like it matters.”

Connor straightened. “I can do that, Wayne. I won’t let you or Connie down.”

Jenny and Aimee answered together, “Sounds good, Wayne.”

“Oh no,” Wayne groaned, walking away and shaking his head. “You two have to stop doing that.”

As Wayne headed back toward the house, Connor gathered his courage. “Uh, Jenny, Aimee... would you two maybe like to go get something to eat? I’m about ready to head out.”

“Sure would, Connor,” Jenny said, and Aimee giggled at the look that crossed Connor’s face.

Wayne headed back into the house. Connie had finished setting the table for two. She had found a candle, dimmed the dining room lights, and opened a bottle of wine she had brought from her apartment. “Well,” she said, smiling as he came in, “my knight in shining armor has returned. Is everything outside all right?”

“Mostly. They were sharing notes on losing customers. I told Connor he could move out here, and he invited the girls to dinner.” Wayne kissed Connie’s temple, then sat across from her. “I think your brother may be playing with fire where Jenny is concerned.”

“Connor has a good heart,” Connie said. “Let’s see how it plays out.”

Just as they finished dinner, Rover sprang up from the rug and shot through the doggie door. Wayne froze, listening. The night outside the kitchen was black and still, too still. He stood, turned off the kitchen lights, and drew his pistol. “Stay inside and lock the doors,” he said, his voice calm enough to make the words more frightening. “I’ll call your cell when I know it’s clear.”

Connie’s face tightened. “Please be careful.”

Wayne looked back at her from the doorway. “I will. I love you.” Then he slipped into the dark after Rover.
 

Chapter 28​



Wayne left the house through the kitchen door and circled around the rear wall, pistol low in one hand and flashlight ready in the other. The yard was still. Too still. No bark. No growl. No answering rustle from Rover in the dark. He moved along the side of the house, checked the road, then turned back toward the gate with his jaw tight. Someone had been here. He could feel it in the silence; in the way the night seemed to be holding something back. He snapped on the flashlight, and the beam caught Rover lying against the gate. For one terrible second, he thought she was dead. Then her side rose shallowly. Wayne dropped to one knee beside her. A strip of dark cloth was clenched between her teeth. “Easy, girl,” he whispered, though his own voice sounded rough. He carefully ran his hands along her back and ribs. Rover whimpered when he brushed one side, and anger hit him so hard he had to close his eyes for a moment. Whoever had done this had hurt his dog and vanished into the dark, leaving him with a scrap of cloth and no face to put to the rage building in his chest. “You poor thing,” he said. “The bastard kicked you, didn’t he?” He called Connie and kept his voice controlled only because she needed him calm. “I found Rover. She’s hurt. Bring a blanket.” A few minutes later, he wrapped Rover gently and carried her to the Land Rover, laying her across the back seat as if she were made of glass. “We’re taking her to Montgomery Animal Hospital,” he said. “They saw her when I first moved here.”

At the clinic, Rover was carried straight back for X-rays while Wayne and Connie waited in an exam room that smelled of disinfectant and old animal fear. Wayne stood instead of sitting, one hand braced against the counter, replaying the yard in his mind. Gate. Road. Dark cloth. No footprints he had noticed. No vehicle. No name. That was what burned worst of all. He had enemies circling, and he still did not know which one had come close enough to touch his home. Dr. Shelly Morgan was on duty that evening. She entered with quick professional concern, but the moment she recognized Wayne, her expression warmed. “Wayne Dupre,” she said, touching his arm a second longer than necessary. “I wish I were seeing you under better circumstances.” Connie sat quietly in the corner, watching the touch, the smile, and the way the doctor angled herself toward him as she explained Rover’s injuries. She kept her face pleasant. Barely. Dr. Morgan was thorough and competent, which Connie appreciated. She was also a little too pleased to see Wayne, which Connie appreciated considerably less. After the exam and films, Dr. Morgan reported that Rover had a fractured rib and a bruised liver. She wrapped Rover to stabilize her and prescribed the same pain medication as before. “Keep her as still as you can,” she said, looking at Wayne again. “No running, no stairs, no rough play. If anything changes, call me directly as she handed him her card with her cell number written on the back.” Wayne thanked her and paid the bill, while Connie gave Dr. Morgan a polite smile sharp enough to have an edge.

On the drive home, Connie waited until the clinic lights disappeared behind them. “Are you going to tell me what that was all about?”

Wayne glanced over, distracted. “What was what about?”

“Don’t play innocent. I mean the very friendly Dr. Shelly.”

“Oh.” Wayne winced. “Yeah. That was a little awkward.”

“A little awkward?” Connie kept her eyes on the road ahead. “That woman looked ready to write you a prescription for herself.”

Wayne rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “When I first brought Rover in after I moved here, Dr. Morgan and I talked for a few minutes. She was friendly. Maybe a little more than friendly. She told me not to be a stranger.”

“I gathered that part.” Connie’s tone stayed light, but not quite effortless. “What I don’t understand is why this is the first I’m hearing about the charming veterinarian.”

“Because I haven’t thought about her since that visit.” Wayne looked over at Connie, all humor gone for a moment. “And since the barbecue, I haven’t thought about anyone but you.”

Connie let the answer hang there long enough to make him sweat. Then her mouth curved. “You sure are a smooth talker, Wayne Dupre. You knew exactly what to say to save your sorry hide.” She reached over and squeezed his hand. “For the record, I could tell the attraction was mostly one-sided. Mostly. I just wanted to hear you explain it.”

“Mostly is fair,” Wayne said. “The first time I saw her, I noticed she was attractive. That was it. I didn’t plan to take it anywhere.”

“Attractive, huh?” Connie arched a brow. “Tall brunettes in lab coats your type?”

“It was definitely the lab coat,” Wayne said. “But if I’m being honest, I generally prefer stubborn little blondes who threaten me with kitchen towels.”

Connie tried not to smile and failed. “You are a smooth talker. I love you anyway.”

When they got home, Wayne carried Rover upstairs and settled her on his boyhood bed. “You stay put, girl,” he said, smoothing a hand over her head. “We’ll take care of you.” Rover gave a faint sigh, and something in Wayne’s chest twisted hard. Downstairs, he showed Connie the scrap of cloth. “I found this in Rover’s mouth by the gate.” He turned it between his fingers, studying the torn edge as if it might suddenly confess. “It’s not much of a clue, but somebody was out there tonight. Somebody got close enough to hurt her and slip away. That’s what I hate. I don’t know who I’m looking for.” His voice went low and cold. “Bonneville’s people. Coonrod’s brothers. Some thief testing the place. Take your pick. I’ll call the sheriff tomorrow and let him know. And after that, I’m going to start treating this farm like someone has already crossed the line.”
 

Chapter 29​



The next morning, Wayne woke as sunlight slowly brightened the room. Normally, he would have slipped out of bed for exercises and a run, but today, that proved difficult. Connie had one arm and one leg draped across him, pinning him with a warmth he had no real desire to escape. Adapt, improvise, overcome, he thought, remembering his Marine buddies’ favorite line. I guess I’ll just have to make the best of this situation. He smiled and settled back in with her for a few quiet minutes.

A short time later, Wayne heard a faint whimper. He eased out of bed, pulled on shorts and a T-shirt, and went to check on Rover. She lay on her bed, tail thumping weakly when he stepped into the room. “Hey there, girl,” he said softly. “How are you feeling this morning?” Rover licked his hand in answer. Wayne carefully picked her up and carried her downstairs and out the front door. When he set her down, she took a few tentative steps before doing her business. Then she looked up at him as if asking to be carried back. “I’ve got you,” he murmured. He brought her into the kitchen, settled her on the rug beside her food bowl, and prepared her breakfast with a pain pill hidden in peanut butter. Rover fell for the old trick, ate a little, drank some water, and then lay back down with a tired sigh.

Wayne was preparing breakfast when Connie came into the kitchen wearing what she now called her Army T-shirt. “Morning, beautiful,” he said, handing her a cup of coffee.

“Morning, Cowboy. Are you always this cheerful before breakfast?”

“I tend to be a happy morning person,” he said.

“I’ll have to get used to that,” she said, wrapping both hands around the coffee. “So, what are the plans for today?”

“After what happened last night, I’m prioritizing security,” Wayne said. “Connor should be here soon, and we’ll spend the morning installing the camera system I bought last week when I took Jay to Sam’s Club. That will take a few hours. After lunch, if you’re interested, I thought we could set up a range behind the barn and work on shooting with Connor. Then we have the party at the marina at four.”

“That sounds great. It has been a while since I’ve done any shooting, and I don’t think Connor has done any in several years.”

“Okay. When was the last time you shot a rifle or shotgun?”

“A very long time. Before my parents died.”

“Then let’s add familiarization with all three today. Rifle, shotgun, and pistol. After last night, I don’t want anyone here depending on luck.”

“Sounds good, Wayne,” she said with a smirk.

After breakfast, Connor showed up with his truck and trailer piled high with boxes, tools, and a few pieces of mismatched furniture. Wayne heard the gate alarm and stepped out the kitchen door as Connor rolled to a stop by the garage doors. “Well, look at that,” Wayne called, laughing. “The Beverly Hillbillies have arrived.”

“Morning, Wayne. Yeah, I decided to pack some of my things and move them out here.”

“Some, huh? How much more do you have?”

“Just the bed and a few small things.”

“Okay. Maybe we can get those later this afternoon.”

“Sounds good, Wayne. What did you want to work on today?”

“I was just telling Connie I want to install the security cameras this morning, and I could use your help. After lunch, we talked about doing some shooting behind the barn.”

“That would be great, Wayne.” Connor shifted his weight and glanced toward the apartment over the garage. “Hey, I wanted to tell you I went out with the girls last night after we left here. Just dinner. Nothing fancy. They’re both really sweet, and Jenny...” He stopped, cleared his throat, and tried again. “Jenny and I talked a little more than Aimee.” His ears reddened. “But I don’t think they’re doing as well as they let on. They’re down to just a couple of customers, and from what they said, I’m not sure they can keep paying rent much longer.” He rubbed both hands down the front of his jeans. “So, I was thinking, maybe—only if you and Connie were okay with it—they could move into the apartment too. They could take one bedroom, and I could take the other. I know that sounds... complicated.” He looked away, then forced himself to meet Wayne’s eyes. “I’m not trying to take advantage of anything. I just thought it might help them, and it might help around here too.”

“Three’s Company, huh?”

“What’s that?

“Yeah, you are too young to have seen that old sitcom where a guy was living with two single girls. Lots of humor there, but it was a comedy show. Why don’t you see how things develop with the girls. Bring it up when you think the time is right. Just be careful though, you are treading in dangerous waters. Are you ready to get to work?”

“Sure am, Wayne.” Connor smiled at Wayne.

Three hours later they were just wrapping up the setup of monitors in the house and apartment when Connie called them for lunch.

While they were eating Wayne looked at Connor and said, “You going to tell her about Threes Company?”

Connie had a confused expression on her face and Connor sighed. “Well, Sis, I was talking to the girls last night and the subject of the cost of renting came up. Long story short, I asked Wayne if they could move out here too.”

“Here, like in the house, what were you thinking?”

“No, Sis, I was thinking the three of us could stay in the apartment, you know, two bedrooms and all.”

Connie laughed, and said, “Oh little brother, what are you getting yourself into? You haven’t had but two girlfriends back in high school, and now you want to move in with two, two twin girls. Are you crazy?”

“Oh, I guess that means no. OK, I am sure they will come up with something. I know they were going to look for a cheaper apartment in town. I just thought, I mean, could we help them out?

Connie looked at Wayne who had a smirk on his face. “What do you have to say about this? It is your property you know.”

“Oh, I know, Connie. I see this playing out in one of two ways. Connor here loses his mind being around two attractive twin girls or he learns some important life lessons on how to keep a woman, or two happy, and we end up two extra hands around here. I know they are both hard workers and know there is a lot of work that needs to be done. We will have to work out some arrangement on cost of living. I don’t have a problem paying Connor for his time, but I don’t know if I can afford to keep the other two on the payroll too. That doesn’t even account for the cost of food and the impact on you, Connie. I didn’t ask you to move out here to be the chief cook and bottle washer for a ‘family’ of five, let alone just the two of us. I haven’t been in a personal, one on one relationship with someone in about 10 years. I am worried that having all these extra people will affect how our relationship grows.”

Connie smiled at Wayne. “You know for an ex-military guy, you sure have a soft heart. Combined with your analytical mind and uh, other skills, it’s why I love you. What you don’t know is that I miss having my brother and baby sister around. When our parents died, I was twenty and struggled to support all of us. I couldn’t have done it without Sheila and Jay’s support, but it made us a stronger family. I have an independent streak and enjoy my alone time, but I miss being around others too. I think having a large ‘family’ around would be a good thing. It doesn’t matter if we are not all a biological family, but we can benefit from having a family team out here.”

Wayne said, “OK, let’s play it like this. I’ll call the girls and ask them to stop over for some more work. Then we can go to the party together. Connie, you can see what kind of help they can be in the kitchen and garden. I think shooting lessons are out for today; we will make it a priority for tomorrow.

Wayne looked at Connor, “and you, I still think you should think about what you are getting yourself into.”

Connor looked at both Connie and Wayne, “Thank you both, I think this is a good plan. I think Jenny and I had a spark, she just seems right to me, and I want to see where this goes.”

Wayne called Jenny’s cell and asked if the two of them could come out to the farm for a few hours of work and go to the party at the Marina. Then, we will have a discussion after the party about next steps.
 

Chapter 30​



Connor was rototilling a load of compost into the garden, while bags of potting soil waited in neat stacks inside the greenhouse, when Jenny and Aimee pulled in. Connie met them outside and got straight to the point. “Do you two know anything about gardening?”

“Sure,” Jenny said. “Our momma taught us gardening, canning, and drying food. I’m guessing that means you need extra hands out here?”

“Yes,” Connie said. “We want to help you two with some extra work, and we have important things to get done around here before the world gets any stranger.”

“Sounds good, Connie,” the twins said in unison.

Wow. Wayne is right. That does sound weird when they do it. Connie kept the thought to herself and said, “Let’s get moving. ‘We’re burning daylight.’ As my father used to say.”

Wayne helped Connor with some of the heavier garden work, then went to the library to test the new security application. The software was simple enough, but he kept checking camera angles, alerts, and playback as if the system might reveal the face he could not put to Rover’s attacker. A few minutes later, his phone buzzed with a motion alert at the gate. On the forty-two-inch monitor, Sheriff Maybre’s cruiser sat in the drive.

When the sheriff pressed the call button, Wayne’s phone chimed again. He answered through the app. “Afternoon, Lonnie. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Just checking in to see how you’re doing,” Maybre said.

“Come on in, and we can talk a bit.”

Wayne went to the kitchen, grabbed two cups of coffee, and stepped onto the back porch.

Lonnie walked up and accepted a cup. “Thanks, Wayne. Any problems lately?”

Wayne looked toward the gate before answering. “We had something happen the other night. Rover alerted us just after a late dinner and bolted out of the house. I followed her, but I couldn’t hear or see anyone. I found her near the gate, hurt bad enough that we had to take her to the animal hospital.” His jaw tightened. “Someone kicked her hard. She got a piece of him, though. I found what looks like a strip of black trouser fabric clenched in her teeth. She and the fabric were inside the fence, so I figure she chased someone down and he went over the fence to get away.”

“Geez, Wayne,” Maybre said. “You sure do attract attention. That isn’t much to go on, though.”

“I know. That’s why I didn’t report it right away. We’re far enough out that whoever it was would have been long gone before your department could have shown up, and we were more worried about Rover. She has a cracked rib, but the Doctor Morgan says she’ll be all right.”

“Shelly Morgan?” interrupted the sheriff.

“Yes, I took Rover to that hospital when I first got here, why, do you know her?”

“You could say that. Shelly is my niece. My sister’s girl.” Sharp and independent. She was the first person in the family to go to university. I am very proud of that girl.”

“She’s awful nice. A bit too nice if were to ask Connie.” Wayne had a tight smile.

“Oh, sounds like you got a little female jealousy issue. What did I tell you about not making trouble?” Lonnie laughed and took a drink of his coffee.

“Looks like trouble keeps trying to find me.” Wayne turned the coffee cup in his hands, frustration tightening his voice. “Back to the intruder. What bothers me is not knowing who I’m dealing with. It could have been some random thief testing the place. It could have been Coonrod’s kin looking for payback. It could have been one of Bonneville’s people trying to send a message. I don’t like having three possible enemies and no face to aim my attention at.” He looked back toward the house. “We installed cameras with a DVR system and phone alerts. Next time somebody comes poking around, I want a picture, a timestamp, and a direction of travel. Connor is moving out here, and Jenny and Aimee probably will too, so we’ll have more eyes and ears on the property. This afternoon, I’m setting up a shooting range behind the barn toward the bluff so I can get everyone familiar with basic firearms. From now on, anyone working this property needs to be aware, and those who are trained will be armed.”

Maybre took a slow drink of coffee. “I can’t say as I blame you. Are you comfortable with all these people having weapons on them?”

“I am, or I’ll be soon.” Wayne’s gaze went toward the garden, where Connie, Connor, Jenny, and Aimee were moving between rows. “Connie has a handgun, but she wants better training. Connor has very little experience, which makes him teachable. I don’t know about the girls yet, but if they’re going to live in the apartment above the garage, they need to know what they’re doing and be comfortable enough not to panic. I’ll look into concealed carry permits if any of them want to go that route. Nobody carries until I’m confident they can handle it safely.”

“All right,” Maybre said. “That sounds more measured than reckless. I can speed up the carry permits if you decide to move forward. I’m also want to kick off the neighborhood watch set up this afternoon at the marina. Will that work for you?”

“Yes. I spoke with Sheila and Jay. Connie and Connor should be with me too.”

“You take care, Wayne. I’ll see you at four.”

After the sheriff left, Wayne stood on the porch a moment longer, watching the cruiser disappear down the drive. The cameras were up, the gate was locked, and more people would soon be living on the property. Still, the question gnawed at him. Coonrod, Bonneville, or someone else entirely? Until he knew, every shadow beyond the fence had to be treated like it might be carrying a name.
 

Chapter 31​



Connie was smiling when Wayne walked up, the kind of smile that made him pause before asking what had gone right. “We have the first planting of vegetables in,” she said. “Carrots, lettuce, peas, beans, broccoli, squash, and a few other things. In the greenhouse, we planted tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Connor caulked the greenhouse panels too, so that can come off the list.” Her smile softened as she glanced toward the barn. “He said he’ll make a spreadsheet with all the plantings and dates so we can track how everything does. We’re getting a late start, so good records will matter. He also wants to figure out which fruit trees and shrubs we should add. I think he’s going to be a really big help around here.”

“I agree,” Wayne said. “Connor’s starting to think ahead, and that’s exactly what this place needs. Did you talk to the girls about the canning supplies?”

“I did. We have a couple hundred jars and rings in different sizes, but we need more lids. I want to make a food plan for six people so we can get a real sense of how much we should preserve. Then I’ll put in an order for supplies and long-term foods.” Connie lowered her voice. “I also want to talk to you about prepping and show you what I brought down to the basement.”

“Sounds like a good project for after the party at the marina,” Wayne said. “Do you know if Connor is staying for dinner, or is he going out with Jenny and Aimee again tonight?”

“We talked about the plan,” Connie said. “He’s going to speak with them today. I also told them about the party.”

“Good. Hopefully, we won’t have as much excitement as we did last night. Looks like today is out for shooting practice, but I’ll find Connor and get a range set up so we can practice tomorrow morning.” Wayne kissed Connie, lingering just long enough to make her smile, then headed off to find Connor.

He headed toward the barn and heard a motor running on the north side. When he rounded the back corner, he found Connor using a weed trimmer to clear the last of the growth behind the building. Beyond him, a freshly mowed lane stretched all the way to the bottom of the bluff, just over one hundred meters. Wayne studied the line of sight, the backstop, and the tree shadows along the edge of the clearing. It would work. It also reminded him how many places a man could hide if he came onto the property with bad intentions. Wayne and Connor found several two-by-fours and a sheet of plywood in the barn. Within an hour, they had built two target stands and a small reload bench.

While they worked, Wayne asked, “Did you talk to Jenny and Aimee about your idea for the apartment?”

Connor straightened, a little sawdust clinging to his shirt. “Yes, sir. They’re excited about the opportunity. I explained there would be different kinds of work around here, not just cleaning, and they’re on board.” He hesitated, then added, “I also mentioned that you were going to give Connie and me shooting lessons. Apparently, they have some experience with .22s, so they’re interested too.”

“And the living arrangements?” Wayne asked.

Connor looked toward the garage apartment, then back at Wayne. “They’ll share one room, and I’ll take the other. We’ll split groceries and utilities and whatever else makes sense. I know it might sound unusual, but it could help all three of us get steady. And with more people here, the property won’t feel so empty.”

Wayne gave him a measured look, then nodded. “All right, Connor. It sounds like you’ve thought it through. Why don’t the three of you plan on stopping by after the party so we can discuss expectations, boundaries, rent, and security? I’ll let Connie know.”

Connor nodded, looking relieved. “Sounds good, Wayne. Thank you.”

Wayne went to Mike’s old gunsmithing room and found several paper targets stored in a cabinet. With the target stands built and the range laid out, they were ready for tomorrow. At least for that part. Everything else still felt less certain.

The team finished up, washed off the dirt and sweat, and got ready for the party at the marina. They took two vehicles and arrived just after the sheriff, with the sun dropping behind the trees and the long road behind them already fading into shadow.
 
very good chapters i used to have a louisiana leopard dog it was a catahoula leopard dog best dog i ever had did not tolerate strangers around the house very good chapters thank you.
 
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