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"I have listened to all of that and maybe those are true or maybe you are working with him, and you created this story just on the off chance that you're caught. Either way, you'll have to come with us," the father said.
"My name's Ike McClenny and this is my son Hayden. That horse that Austin took is worth a lot of money and had great sentimental value to me and my family so I believe you'll understand when we tell you that we can't take you at your word at the moment. You'll have to come with us," he said. Lee knew that whatever she would try to say or do would be useless and she didn't think she was safe with them but there was something about the older man's manner that told her that he was someone she could trust not to hurt her without reason. She nodded and he looked at his son.
"It's settled then. You'll wash up and rest then we can pick up the trail tomorrow," he said.
CHAPTER FOUR.
It was evening and the sky was yellowish red by the time they came to the McClellan ranch. It was massive to Lee who hadn't seen something that large in a while. It was then that her fatigue-addled mind remembered that she had heard a lot about that ranch and she knew that there was no way that she could get home in time. The truth was that they held a lot of sway among the locals and the second bit was they didn't seem like the kind of people who took something as theft very lightly.
Lee found it strange that Ike and his son very rarely spoke to each other and just glanced and nodded most of the time. It was almost like they had an entire language that was made up of nods and glances.
"Welcome to the McClellan ranch," Ike said to her and she looked at him. There was a glint in his eyes, a subtle glow that let her know that he was excited to be back home. She looked away, thinking that her home wasn't one that she was excited to be back in.
"Where are you from?" Ike asked her as they rode through the gates. She could see the stalls and barns, the living quarters and bunkhouses and she wondered at just how big this place was.
"He asked you a question," Hayden said quietly but there was menace in his words. She looked at him, wondering what it wasthat made him always angry, as if the world was irritating to him.
"I'm…I'm not actually from around here but I came to stay with my parents a little. They own a farm about a few miles away from this place," she said and Ike nodded.
"You're with a phone?" He asked.
"I left mine back at home," she replied
"We'll give you one so you can make a call back home. They must be worried sick about you…if it was actually true that you were lost. I'll send a man over there to tell them you're in our custody and you'll be riding out with us," he said.
"I didn't…." She stopped and shrugged.
"What was that?" Hayden asked from behind her. Lee grimaced. The man was really beginning to get on her nerves.
"I didn't ask him where he was headed and I don't even know where to find him so I don't think taking me along will do you any good.
"How about you leave that for me to decide, yes?" Ike said. She didn't say anything else.
They rode up to what looked like the main house, judging by the sheer size of it and they dismounted. A small, slender looking woman came out of the house. She was beautiful in a homely kind of way and looked to be in her early fifties. She looked at Lee then at the two men. Ike raised a hand and the woman nodded. Lee marveled again at how they were able to communicate with as little words as possible.
"Take her in, Lily. Make sure she freshens up and gets something to eat. Thank you," he said as he walked to her and placed a light kiss on her lips then walked inside. The woman gestured to Lee to follow her and they walked into the building. Lee was aware of Hayden looking at her and when she turned to meet his gaze, it was dubious but not as guarded as it was before.
The water was hot, and the clothes were warm and comfortable. Lee didn't think that she could feel so much better in such a short amount of time and was sitting in the bed in the room that was given to her when she heard a knock on the door. She turned to see Hayden standing there. His head was at the door frame and his face was expressionless. Lee immediately grew wary and tried to get back away from him, but he raised the phone.
"Your parents would like to speak with you," he said and walked to her. He appeared much different, cleaner and with a softer edge. All the scruff had been shaved, leaving only the mustache and most of the anger that rolled around within him seemed to be gone. He stood with his thumbs hooked in his belt straps while she answered the call.
"Hello baby," her mother said from the other end. The voice made Lee's heart almost melt and the tears welled up in her eyes.
"Hi, Momma. I'm sorry to worry you. A few things have been happening but I'm okay now and I'm safe," she said.
"Where are you?" Her mother asked.
"I'm at the McClellan ranch," She said. There was a sigh of relief from the other end.
"Thank Goodness you're there. I'll come over tomorrow and come see you. There was a call from Ike earlier and he said hewas sending someone to come talk to us. Are you in some kind of trouble?" She asked.
"Not really. I'm just…there's just been a misunderstanding and we want to clear it up first," she said. There was silence from the other end for a while then her mother spoke again.
"You're sure you're not in trouble?" She asked.
"I'm sure, Momma. I'm sure. How's Dad?" She asked.
"He's not back yet but I'll call him after this, okay. I'll give them your phone to take to you when they come here," she said and Lee nodded quickly.
