Alexander Ranch

Untitled Part 19

The next day, Jordan allowed me to follow him around and participate in some of the chores. It was Saturday and, just like at Hanley's all in one pet care company, people were working on the weekend. Taking care of animals was an everyday operation. However, I was not scheduled to work weekends. So, I had to beg a little just to be able to help Jordan.

He didn't hold out long against my pleading though. He even let me ride Cervantes after I promised I'd only walk and not have him running with me on his back. I really did feel fine by now, but Jordan was taking no chances. Daisy had come and decided I didn't need any more of her warm hand trick healing power. I simply needed time and rest. Most of my aches and pains were gone. I only had a twinge here and there. I was fine. But, Jordan insisted I take it easy.

I'd insisted on going back to my home tonight though. When he walked me to my room to get my things, or rather the room I'd been occupying, he opened a drawer and began pulling out articles of clothing.

"This is your room?" I blurted out louder than I'd intended, the realization startling me.

"Yes," he looked at me inquiringly.

"But, where have you been sleeping then? Why did you let me put you out of your room?"

"I slept in the guest room," He shrugged and pulled more things out.

"I could have slept in the guest room," I mumbled.

"It wasn't a big deal," he said closing another drawer and stuffing something in his duffle. "I carried you in here when you were attacked. I guess I wasn't thinking. I didn't see any reason to move you. No big deal."

I didn't say anything more. I just didn't feel right about displacing him when they had a perfectly good guest room I could have been using. But, if it wasn't a big deal to him then I wouldn't make a big deal about it either. He picked up his bag and mine and we left. Grace and Logan met us at the door to say goodbye. They hugged me and fussed as if I wouldn't be back Monday, which was only a day away. Then, Jordan and Daisy took me home.

It was great to be home. I had been spoiled at the Alexander ranch, and I appreciated all they did for me. But, there was nothing like being at home and sleeping in my own bed. Daisy had gotten into the habit of watching the shows I'd taped on the DVR with me. We'd missed several episodes of various shows while I recuperated with them. So, we spent the evening catching up. This time Jordan watched with us. He was fairly quiet, but he seemed much less intense or uneasy around me then he had been before my late night visitor and this crazy week.

Around 10 o'clock I was getting ready for bed when the phone rang. I grabbed the phone seeing it was Blake on the caller ID.

"Hey Big Bro!" I said jumping up and hurrying in the kitchen so I wouldn't interrupt Jordan and Daisy watching television.

"Hey, Baby Girl. Where have you been? I haven't gotten more than an occasional text from you the last week."

"I know. It's been crazy. I have been working offsite on an assignment."

"Really? Where?"

"At the Alexander Ranch. Have you heard of it?"

"Yes, I have. Wow, how'd you get that gig?"

"Well, apparently they lost their staff vet and needed someone to fill in for a while," I said, giving him the same story that Logan had apparently given John.

"And John sent you?" Blake asked skeptically. "I wouldn't have thought he'd spare you. Why didn't he send one of your staff vets?"

"I asked him the same thing," I said, trying to sound just as mystified. "He just said that if all went well they may decide they don't need a staff vet, and we could provide the services they need. He said I was the only one that could sell our pet services to them."

"Well, he's right about that," he agreed. "Once they see how committed you are to the service and care of animals, they just might give you guys their business."

"John thinks so anyway."

I wanted to change the subject. "So, when am I going to see you?"

"Well, if you'd bothered to answer the phone once in a while you'd already know I'll be home this weekend," he said in mock irritation.

"Oh, great!" I exclaimed. Then my initial happiness was eclipsed by an equal amount of concern. I needed to keep my brother safe. I held my cheery countenance though. "What time are you coming in? What day?"

"I'll be arriving on Friday and leaving early Sunday."

"Wow, just two days this time?"

"Yes, unfortunately."

I have to work on Friday, but I'll see you when I get home."

"No rush. I'm going to have lunch with some of the guys."

We talked a few more moments and then said our goodnights. Then, I went to tell Daisy and Jordan the news.

"My brother will be home for the weekend. I don't want him to know what is going on."

"Agreed," they said in unison.

"The fewer people who know the better," Daisy said nodding her agreement before heading toward the kitchen with an empty popcorn bowl.

"But, I don't know how to keep him safe," I said.

"Don't worry. We have that covered," Daisy said pausing at the kitchen doorway, "All you need do is go about your business. Stay alert, but otherwise, leave it to us to keep you and your brother safe."

"We will not have another failure in security," Jordan vowed, holding my eyes solemnly as he spoke the words.

"It wasn't a failure," I chided.

"Well. It won't happen again," he said in a low uncompromising voice.

"He's right. It won't," Daisy seconded, coming back into the room. "So, off to bed with you."

I hesitated, but Daisy made a shooing gesture. So I went off to bed.