Saddled With Trouble (7 page)

“He enjoyed the lifestyle,” Davis suggested.

Michaela nodded. “The problem was, or I should say,
is
, that the money he’d earned, he blew partying on the circuit with his pals. I tried to salvage the marriage. I wanted children.”

“He didn’t?”

“Brad said that he did, promised me he’d be around more and help me grow my business, and that we could start a family. He tried to convince me that it was good for him to be out and about with his buddies, that they were all spreading the word about what a great trainer I was. Even though I don’t train horses for rodeo-type events other than some barrel racing, there is quite a bit of crossover communication in the horse world. Plenty, actually, especially because most of us in this part of the industry ride quarter horses.” Davis raised his brow and shrugged, and Michaela continued. “A quarter horse is a really great breed— stocky, athletic, good-natured, they tend to be of sound mind, and intelligent. I guess you could say that they’re kind of the Labradors of horses, if that makes sense to you.” He nodded. “They’re a versatile breed. I love working with them.”

“Your ex didn’t exactly go around touting you as the brilliant trainer, I take it?”

“No. He was too busy with other things.”

“And, you put up with that?”

A wave of shame swept through her. She
had
put up with it. “I did, but in my defense as I said, love is blind, or in this case plain stupid. I wanted to believe him and I really wanted kids. He did get me a couple of clients, and that kept me hooked into thinking that he was sort of a manager— the good husband doing his part to bring in the business. Stupid, I know.”

“We all want to believe the best in people, I don’t think that’s stupid at all.” In spite of himself, he took a cookie from the jar, bit into it, and set it down. It left a crumb on the side of his mouth. “You don’t have any kids, then?”

“No.” She didn’t want to go there. It wasn’t necessary. He just needed to know the facts, and why Brad would have the need to see her uncle dead . . . maybe even her. She couldn’t imagine him actually doing it, but one never really knew a person. And, after nine years with Brad, she’d discovered that she hadn’t really known him at all. But Uncle Lou had him pegged from the get-go. Why hadn’t she listened to him?

“With Brad out
promoting
me, and me supporting him, my uncle Lou became even more wary of him. He didn’t trust him. He never thought he was good enough for me, but he’d kept that to himself after I finally told him to drop it.” Michaela took a sip of her tea before going on. Cocoa padded over to her, her tail wagging. She reached down to scratch the dog’s head.

“Beautiful dog.”

“Thank you. She’s an old girl, but like tonight, she’s obviously still got it, still alert— sometimes.”

“I’ve got a feeling that your uncle may have stopped talking about your ex, but he did something else to prove his point.”

“He did. First, he decided to play by my rules and give Brad the benefit of the doubt. He gave him a job at his ranch, helping out with the artificial insemination program my uncle started a few years ago. But, Brad took advantage of the fact that Uncle Lou was
family
, and it didn’t take long before he came and went as he pleased. He also thought the job was beneath him.”

“Why is that?”

Michaela felt heat rise to her cheeks. “Well, even though the program Uncle Lou ran was a breeding program, as I said, it was artificial insemination, and someone needed to collect the . . .”

Davis held up his palms. “Say no more. Brad was the collector?”

“Yes, but it’s not what you’re thinking. It’s quite technical. They use dummy mares. It’s all very clean, but still,” she said, not really wanting to continue.

Thankfully, Davis didn’t seem to either. “Right.”

“Anyway, Brad was blasé about the job. My uncle grew more suspicious of him and had him followed.” Michaela stood, walked over to a drawer in the kitchen, and pulled out a large envelope, which contained photos. She handed them to Davis.

“Brad.”

“Yes, and Kirsten Redmond.”

Davis thumbed through the prints that Michaela had gone over countless times in the past until she’d finally accepted that it was true: Her husband had cheated on her with Miss Rodeo America. She shut her eyes tight for a second as Davis continued scanning the photos. “I’ll burn those after we go to court.”

“Your uncle Lou had him followed, this is what came of it, and you divorced Brad. I would assume that Brad also lost his job at the ranch?”

“Yes.”

“Do you think Brad wanted to get even with Lou for having him followed, thus causing your breakup?”

“Partly. But Brad did plan to divorce me.”

“Then what gives?” Davis patted his leg and Cocoa came over to him. “I like dogs. I’ve got a Lhaso Apso.”

She laughed. “That’s not a dog.”

“Oh, so you’re one of those people who believes a dog is only a dog if it’s big and loud. He may not be big, but I assure you he’s loud.” He grinned.

“I’m kidding. I like all dogs.”

“Right. So, what happened with you and your ex?”

“Brad and I had been married nine years like I said. We were three months short of our ten-year anniversary when I filed for divorce.”

“Let me guess: You were the breadwinner, and he knew by waiting the full ten years it would make him eligible to receive spousal support for a very long time.”

Michaela couldn’t help but laugh at the way he’d put it, but yes, that was exactly how she’d felt when one of Brad’s ex-cronies told her of his devious plan. The laughter felt good for a moment. How could she laugh today, or any day ever again, for that matter? She’d found Uncle Lou only that morning with a pitchfork through him. She shook her head, hoping to cast that image from her mind. Doubtful that could ever happen. “You know a bit about California divorce laws.”

He nodded. “He was banking that he wouldn’t get caught cheating, could divorce you after ten years, and you’d be stuck paying spousal support.”

“Exactly. But he did get caught, thanks to my uncle, and now it’s hopeful a judge will take a look at that and things will go in my favor. Now, he’s making all sorts of claims that we were separated while he was out having the time of his life, and that I’d kicked him out. His girlfriend harasses me to no end. She enjoys calling me, insisting that I sign the papers he had some moronic attorney devise. I read over them last night. He wants to settle with me. I love that. Crazy. But the best is we have a pile of medical bills that our insurance refused to pay, and he’s basically skipped out on his portion of the obligation. I’ve even heard he’s going to file bankruptcy. So, I’m stuck with that. But, I will hold out signing any type of papers that benefits either one of them.”

Davis shook his head. “Did he plan to marry this rodeo queen? If so, the gravy train would have come to a halt, even if he hadn’t been caught in the act.”

“I don’t think so. Brad is greedy. He’s the kind of guy who likes his cake and wants to eat it, too. My gut tells me that Kirsten was a fun fling and he never thought I would find out about it. I do think he planned to leave me though, after the ten years was up. Things with us had ceased to be fun, and Brad obviously isn’t one with too much depth.”

Davis nodded. “I went through a divorce a few years ago.”

That explained the no ring on the finger. “Not fun. Do you have children?”

“One. She’s nine. My ex and I have joint custody of her.”

“That’s great. I mean, not great you have to share your daughter like that, or that you’re divorced, but that you have a child.” She swallowed hard.

“You think that it’s possible your ex blames your uncle for everything?”

“I think it’s possible.”

“I’m going to need to speak with your ex-husband. Can you give me his information?”

“Of course.” Michaela stood and went into the kitchen. She took out a pen and paper from her odds-and-ends drawer and wrote down Brad’s address and phone numbers, then handed it to Davis. His fingers brushed her hand. On purpose? She didn’t think so, but oddly enough— and maybe because she didn’t want to be alone— her stomach fluttered at his touch. She tried to ignore it as he stood and shook her hand.

“I know it’s been a rough day for you. I’ll have a cruiser come by. But you should be safe enough here, especially with Dr. Slater around.”

“Oh, no. He’s not my boyfriend, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’ve known Ethan forever.” That sounded brilliant. Why did she feel the need to clarify their relationship to the detective?

Davis nodded. “I thought you’d like to know, we have an officer stationed at your uncle’s ranch.”

“That’s good. Thanks. Um, how is Bean?”

“Mr. Chasen?”

“Is that his last name?”

Davis nodded. “Sylvester Chasen. He’s fine. We questioned him and let him go on his way.”

“Oh.” She wanted to ask Davis more about Bean, but had the distinct feeling he wasn’t going to tell her anything.

“I was also able to get a hold of Dwayne Yamaguchi. He’s coming back from Vegas tonight to help Mrs. Bancroft out. And, uh, Sylvester, or I mean Bean will be back in the morning to work, I believe. Again, thank you for your time. I’ll be in touch.”

As he started out the door, Camden breezed in past him and said, “Hello.”

He nodded and continued on his way, Camden’s eyes following him like a cat toying with a mouse, as he closed the door. She turned and faced Michaela. “Hot damn, look at you, finally moving on. Tell me, I have got to know, who
is
the hottie?”

“You don’t really want to know,” Michaela replied and burst into tears.

EIGHT

CAMDEN LOANED HER SHOULDER TO MICHAELA and after a couple of hours she was all cried out— again. They now sat in silence on the couch.

“I’m sorry, sweetie. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through today, and I’m sorry that I wasn’t here for you. I wish you’d called me, I would have boogied back here.”

“I know. The day has gone by in a blur. It all seems so surreal. There are moments when it feels like it
didn’t
happen, and I actually smiled when that detective was here, but then the reality hits and I feel so horrible. I can’t explain it.” She lifted her head, and the room spun slightly— the combination of exhaustion and lack of any decent food.

“Who do you think could have done this?” Camden asked.

“I don’t know, and I don’t know why either. Lou was such a good man. He didn’t have it in him to hurt anyone. His gentle hand with the horses, his demeanor . . . You knew him. He was solid, decent.” She shook her head. “It makes no sense to me at all.”

“He was one of the good guys, Mick. I feel lucky to have known him, although I don’t think he ever had much tolerance for me.” Camden laughed.

“That’s not true. Uncle Lou liked you.”

Camden waved a hand at her. “Please, we both know that I am not quite as down to earth as your uncle would have liked, especially for someone in your life.”

“Okay, so maybe you were a bit flamboyant for him. But he appreciated you. I know that.”

“No matter. I liked him and I know how much he loved you, so we were both on the same page there. But again, who do you think would want him dead?” At that moment a knock at the sliding glass door caused them both to turn. “Ah, Dr. Slater is back in town, huh?” Camden asked. Michaela nodded. “When did he get back?” Michaela shrugged. “I see. Well, better get the door. I’ll make myself scarce. You two probably have some talking to do.”

Michaela opened the door.

“Hi, Ethan. How was your trip? We missed you around here,” Camden said.

“Good. Thanks.”

“Did you come to comfort our girl?”

“I did.”

“Great. I think she’s a bit better. You always seem to have a knack for putting a smile on her face. And, I’ve probably done all I can for the evening. I’ll let you two talk. I think she could still use some company.”

Michaela cleared her throat. “Hello, guys, I’m right here. I’m not a kid, you know. I love how much you care, but come on.”

Camden rolled her eyes. “There she goes again with that ‘I’m-so-tough’ act. Don’t let her fool you.”

“I won’t,” Ethan replied.

“Night all, and Michaela, if you need me, I’m just down the hall.”

“Sorry I’m late,” Ethan said. “I checked on Leo a minute ago; looks like things are moving along fine in his gut. I’m pleased, because you know colic can be rough. I wish I could have helped you more today with him,” he said, taking a seat in one of Michaela’s leather chairs opposite her tan sofa.

“I told you that you didn’t need to come back here.”

“I know what you told me, but since when do I ever listen to you?”

“Good point.” She plopped back down on the couch. “Are you gonna tell me why Detective Davis was by to talk to you and what had you so upset with Lou?”

“No. Not right now.” Ethan rubbed his temples. “Honestly, I can’t tell you anything until I find out a few more things myself.”

“What the hell are you talking about? You’re really starting to irritate me, Ethan.”

“Well, you wouldn’t be the only woman I’ve heard that from tonight.”

“Oh, no, no, no, do not tell me,” Michaela said. She took one look at him and knew. Dammit, the man was a glutton for punishment. “You and Summer?” It all came back to her, Ethan rushing off to his ex-fiancé’s house.

He nodded.

She would’ve shaken him if she’d had the energy. “Tell me, please, that you and Summer are not getting back together. It is
not
what I want to hear. Do you know how bad she is for you? What a
bitch
she was to you? My God, Ethan, she left you the day before your wedding. What are you thinking?”

Ethan took her hand. “Mick, Summer is pregnant.”

NINE

“YOU DUMBASS. TELL ME YOU’RE KIDDING.” Michaela shook her head and stared at Ethan to see if he was telling the truth. This was not the time to joke. He looked down, and when he looked back up at her with those green eyes of his, she could see there wasn’t any lying going on. Nope, he wasn’t yanking her chain. “What were you thinking? Wait a minute, let me rephrase that: What were you thinking
with
? Hmmm? I’ll say it again: You are a dumbass.”