The Cowboy Guarantee

CHAPTER 24: Todd

What was going on. I think both Annie and I were realizing suddenly that this woman we thought we knew, apparently had a whole other side or life that she never told anyone-not even my uncle, according to his reaction to her right now.

She opens up the bag and then pulls out five huge sized diamonds. Where the hell did she get that from?! Oh god, she had to have robbed a jewelry store or something. But wait, this is MAUREEN we are talking about who although is tough and stubborn most of the time, I know wouldn't hurt a fly.

"What the hell!?!" Barron reacts surprised as we all gasp surprised at the same time.

"Many years ago, I was close to losing the ranch. I have worked my entire life keeping this ranch in the family. But then life happened and I lost so much. Other than you Annie, this is all I have left of our family. I have been harassed practically since then and have tried to pay off the debt that has been owed on this ranch for a while." She stops for a moment and begins fighting back tears then looks at us as she continues.

"I was ashamed and embarrassed to mention anything. You know me, I'm stubborn." She says the last part while looking at Annie.

"One day, Johnny Russo came into town and started buying people out of town and got real upset at the fact I always remained firm about keeping my property. He had threatened me many times along the way in trying to buy me out and I just, I don't know. I tried hard to protect what I could. And WHO I could." She mentions. "But I guess I didn't do too good of a job since it looks like his son is looking for it." 

"Nana, why didn't you ever tell me?" Annie asks her.

"I had my reasons. Please understand that I never meant to keep anything from you Sweetie, I just didn't want you to worry." She tries to comfort Annie. 

All of us were silent. We were all in shock. Was she saying what she was really saying?

"How did you get those?" Barron asks her while looking at the diamonds curiously. 

"Why?" She asks.

"Because Leison has been looking for several diamonds he had lost years ago and has yet to find them. In fact, it's from one of the jobs that he had your father try and do before he was killed." Uncle Barron says the last part while looking at me. 

"Wait a minute, hold up!" I began to protest. "Do you mean to tell me that Leison, the guy who we were hoping in setting up a meeting with and to help introduce Danny to, THOSE are his diamonds?" I asked to be sure I heard correctly. 

"Yes." Barron nods  at me. 

"I don't believe this. This just keeps getting better and better!" I exclaim. 

"Calm down." Barron tries to tell me. 

"I swear, ever since we started this whole idea, Annie and I have been finding out more and more about yours and Maureen's lives that I at least, don't feel like I know you guys anymore." I say.

"I understand you're confused but you know what?" He says while looking back at Maureen, Annie then back at me as if he has thought up of an idea.

"What?" I ask. "What are you thinking?"

"I think things just got a little bit easier for the whole meet up idea." He smirks. 

"And how is that?" Drummond asks.

"Well, both Danny and Leison are looking for the same thing, right? And we don't want anything ever tracing back to us through the FEDs finding out and everything, as well as having both of them staying away from the both of you forever." He begins explaining. 

"Are you suggesting we give these to them?" Maureen asks as she naps her lead to look at him in disapproval. 

"Yes. If we do this, everybody will be safe." He says under his breath to her while leaning close towards her ear. 

"But when you gave me...." She starts to argue back at him but stops herself for a moment after he gives her a certain look. 

What the hell is going on right now?!

Next chapter will be posted soon! :)  (Meaning tonight!)   :)