Read B.J. Daniels the Cardwell Ranch Collection for Free Online Page B

records back beyond 1994,” the clerk told him when he called. “That’s when we had the fire. All the records were destroyed.”
    Twelve years ago. He’d completely forgotten about the fire. He hung up. All he could hope was that Rupert was wrong. That the woman hadn’t been in the well more than twelve years. Otherwise…He swore.
    Otherwise, he would be forced to talk to the former marshal. After all this time, the last thing Hud wanted was to see his father.
    “I’ M TAKING THE FIRST flight out,” Jordan said without preamble when he called Dana back. “I’ll let you know what time I arrive so you can pick me up at the airport.”
    Dana bit down onher tongue, determined not to let him get to her. He seemed to just assume she wouldn’t have anything else to do but pick him up at Gallatin Field, a good fifty miles away. “Jordan, you must have forgotten. I have a job.”
    “You’re half owner of a…fabric shop. Don’t tell me you can’t get away.”
    She wasn’t going to chauffeur him around the whole time he was here, or worse, let him commandeer her vehicle. She took a breath. She would have loved to have lost her temper and told him just what she thought of him. He was in no position to be asking anything of her.
    She let out the breath. “You’ll have to rent a car, Jordan. I’ll be working.” A thought struck her like the back of a hand. “Where will you be staying in case I need to reach you?” Not with her. Please not with her at the ranch.
    She heard the knife edge in his voice. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to stay at that old rundown ranch house with you.”
    She almost slumped with relief. She’d suspected for some time that he was in financial trouble. Ever since two years ago when he’d married Jill, an out-of-work model, Jordan had seemed desperate for money.
    “I assume Jill is coming with you?” Dana said, assuming just the opposite.
    “Jill can’t make it this time.”
    “Oh?” Dana bither tongue again, just not quick enough. Jill had set foot in Montana only once and found it too backwoodsy.
    “You have something to say, Dana? We all know what an authority you are on romantic relationships.”
    The jab felt all the more painful given that Hud was back in town. “At least I had the sense not to marry him.” Instantly she wished she could snatch back the words. “Jordan, I don’t want to fight with you.” It was true. She hated how quickly this had escalated into something ugly. “Let’s not do this.”
    “No, Dana, you brought it up,” Jason said. “If you have something to say, let’s hear it.”
    “Jordan, you know this isn’t what Mom wanted, us fighting like this.”
    He let out a cruel laugh. “You think I care what she wanted? The only thing she ever loved was that damned ranch. And just like her, you chose it over a man.”
    “Mom didn’t choose the ranch over Dad,” Dana said. “She tried to make their marriage work. It was Dad who—”
    “Don’t be naive, Dana. She drove him away. The same way you did Hud.”
    She wasn’t going to discuss this with him. Especially today. Especially with Hud back. “I have to go, Jordan.”
    He didn’t seem to hear her. “At least I have someone to warm my bed at night. Can your precious ranch do that?”
    “Enjoy it while it lasts,” Dana snapped. “Jill will be long gone once you don’t have anything else you can pillage to appease her.”
    She knew at oncethat she’d gone too far. Jordan had never liked to hear the truth.
    Dana smacked herself on the forehead, wishing she could take back the angry words. He’d always known how to push her buttons. Isn’t that what siblings were especially adept at because they knew each others’ weaknesses so well?
    “Jordan, I’m sorry,” she said, meaning it.
    “I’ll have Dad pick me up. But, dear sister, I will deal with you when I see you. And at least buy a damned answering machine.” He slammed down the phone.
    She felt dirty, as if she’d been