An Unexpected Gift

EARCE

Chapter One

Morgantown, Morgan Valley, California

After saying his good-byes, Billy Morgan came out of the feed store and checked that everything he’d loaded in the back of his truck was secure. It was one of the beautiful crisp, clear winter days he loved, with just enough bite in the air to catch at his breath and taste the incoming snow on his tongue. Even though the inclement weather would soon cut off Morgan Valley, winter had always been his favorite season.

He checked the list his mother Ruth had given him, and headed off to Main Street. The smell of coffee from Yvonne’s French Café drifted across the road, and he inhaled appreciatively. When he’d completed his errands, he’d pop in and finish off his morning in style. The Morgantown shop owners had draped their old-fashioned storefronts and boardwalks in Christmas lights, which would come on at night, and make the old gold rush town look enchanting.

The place hadn’t changed much since he was a kid. He always remembered the day his grandfather had sat him down and told him how his great grandfather had come all the way from Wales during the California gold rush, and ended up owning a livery stable and saloon in the new settlement before buying himself a ranch on the profits. Having a whole town named after your family was something special, and Billy had sworn to his grandfather that he’d never let his family down.

He grimaced as he went into the post office. He’d sure messed that up. Twenty-three years ago the disappearance of his wife and baby daughter had almost destroyed him, and sent a tremor worthy of an earthquake through the lives of his four sons and his mother, Ruth. It had taken him twenty years to come home, and he was still working at being forgiven.

He sorted out the mail noticing none of it was actually for him, but that his mother had received a whole bunch of Christmas cards. A couple of letters had stuck together, and when he separated them out he discovered one was addressed to his old friend Bella Williams at the Red Dragon Bar.

Being close to the bar, which sat on the corner of Main and Morgan, he walked around into the parking lot and approached the back entrance. The door was open, and Bella and some guy were standing on the threshold. Something about the young guy’s stance set everything protective in Billy to attention. He altered his angle of approach and came up behind the man.

Axel, I asked you to leave. Bella was speaking, her voice calm.

And I told you to give me my wages or I’ll take them myself.

Jay will be back any second now. Bella raised her chin. She wasn’t a tall woman, but after running a bar for twenty-five years she wasn’t easily intimidated. Do you really want to take on a retired Navy SEAL?

He’s not coming, Bella, Axel said. I saw him heading out on the county road toward Bridgeport. Axel took a step closer, invading Bella’s personal space. Give me my damned money, bitch!

Billy gently cleared his throat. Hey, you.

Axel swung around, his hands curling into fists. What the hell do you want?

I want you to leave. Billy held up his cell. I just sent a text to Nate Turner and he’s coming right now, so maybe you’d better stop menacing women and take a hike.

Like you’d be able to stop me, Axel sneered.

Billy stepped closer and held the young fool’s gaze. Do you really want to find out if that’s true?

Something in Billy’s eyes made Axel pause, which was just as well because Billy had survived a year in prison and was nobody’s pushover.

A siren blared on Main Street, and with one last disgusted snarl, Axel ran off into the parking lot, got on his motorbike, and roared away.

Billy instantly went over to Bella. Are you okay?

She let out her breath and pressed her hand to her heart before reaching for him. Thank goodness you came along, Billy. I was getting scared.

You didn’t look it. Billy wrapped an arm around his old school friend and she leaned into him, her whole body trembling. You’ll be okay. It’s just the shock.

I know. She took a deep, shaky breath. There was something in his eyes that frightened me. Do you think he’s on drugs or something?

Probably. Billy looked up as Nate Turner, the local sheriff, pulled into the parking lot. Do you want to talk to Nate, or shall I do it?

Why don’t you both come inside my kitchen and we can talk there? Bella suggested. It’s cold out here.

Billy hadn’t noticed the chill, but he was used to working outside in all weathers and had grown up on the ranch herding cattle and riding horses. After being incarcerated for a year, he’d yearned for open spaces, and never felt happier than when he was out in the fresh air.

You go on in. Billy patted her shoulder. I’ll bring Nate.

He waited as Nate got out of his truck and put on his official hat before strolling over to greet him. Nate had been to school with his sons, and was another local boy.

Hey, Mr. Morgan. What’s up? Nate asked.

Some guy was threatening Bella Williams.

Nate frowned. I assume Jay isn’t around?

If he was, you’d probably be investigating a murder, Billy said dryly. No one would be stupid enough to misbehave with the mother of a retired Navy SEAL if they knew he was on the premises.

So it was probably a good thing you were around instead. Nate gestured at the open door. Is Mrs. Williams in there? Is she okay?

Yeah, she’s a bit shaken up, but no harm done. She said for us both to come in.

Billy went through the back door and into the large kitchen where Bella dealt with all the culinary needs of the Red Dragon Bar. She was sitting at the kitchen table with a cafetière of coffee and three mugs.

Morning, Mrs. Williams. Nate touched his hat. Is it okay if I come in?

Of course, take a seat, Nate. Bella smiled, but still looked a little upset. Did Billy tell you what happened?

Nate sat at the table and took out his notebook. He gave me the basics, but I’d like to get your take on it. Did you know the guy who was harassing you?

Yes, he’s been working here as my assistant for the past three months.

Great. So you have his name and social security?

His name is Axel Jordan. He came with good references from a San Francisco hotel, but I did notice he’d moved around a lot. Bella sighed. Everything was going okay until last Friday when he didn’t turn up on time. It’s our busiest day and we were really shorthanded. When he did arrive, he was sullen, uncooperative, and kept messing up the orders.

Bella sipped her coffee and cradled the mug in her hands, her brown gaze distant. At first I thought he was sickening for something, but it was more than that. Eventually, Jay got mad and told him to go home and only come back when he was willing to put in a day’s work for a day’s wages.

And he turned up today? Nate asked.

Yes, after three days of nothing and me having to do everything myself. Bella grimaced. I tried texting him and calling, but he didn’t bother to pick up. Today he came seeking his wages for last week. I told him that Jay was the only one who can authorize those payments. He didn’t believe me.

Which is where I came in, Billy said. He was demanding his wages and threatening to take them if Bella didn’t cooperate.

Do you have his address here? Nate asked. I’ll go and pay him a visit.

He rents a room over Ted Baker’s garage, Bella said.

Nate got to his feet. Then if you don’t mind, I’ll go over there and see if I can head him off at the pass. I’ll come back for your full statement later this afternoon.

Go ahead. I’ll be fine. Bella waved him on. Thanks for coming so quickly.

Thank Billy, Nate said, smiling at her. He’s the one who texted me.

Billy waited until Nate shut the door behind him, and turned back to Bella. Are you sure you’re okay? Would you like me to call Jay?

No, I don’t want to worry him. He’s gone to an appointment at the VA and I would hate for him to miss it.

You still look a bit shaken up, Billy said slowly.

It’s not the first time this has happened, but it’s never pleasant. She let out a long breath. Thank you for being there. I really appreciate it.

You’re welcome. He dug out the letter he’d found mixed in with his mail. I was just coming to deliver this. It was in the wrong box.

She picked up the letter and laughed. This must be the first time the IRS has ever done something right.

Fancy that. He joined in her laughter and noticed that she was starting to look a lot better. He hated to bring her back on topic, but he had no choice.

I’m worried that you’re all alone here if Axel comes back.

Bella patted his hand. I’m not entirely helpless, Billy. Her smile was both charming and wicked. I know how to shoot a gun. Jay taught me.