Deadly Inheritance (completed)

Chapter 1

"He can get her. I don't have the time to entertain her highness today. There's too much shit hitting the fan at once. Go out to the far pasture, help the guys get the cattle moved in. They're gonna need vaccines tomorrow and then we have to do branding on all the new calves. Next week we deal with the steers." I kneel down and brush my hand over the mares snout. She's breathing hard. I'm gonna have to help her give birth.

I grab the long gloves and shove them on high up my arms hunkering down near the top of her rear to stay out of kicking range. It's gonna be a long day.

"Let's go sweetheart, you're doing fine. I'm right here." I quietly coo to my mare. She been my sweetheart since we started breeding her. This was her last time. My last foal from my girl. "Let's have our baby."

Charlie

I need another drink.

"Can I get another Jack and coke please, just hold the coke." I give the stewardess a strained smile. I don't think there's enough whiskey on this flight to get me home to face what's waiting for me.

I should have gone back for Christmas like I promised, but I was so busy with the catering business for Steven I didn't have time to think, much less take a few days off. This is what I get for going into business for myself. As long as I work I make money, but taking time off means no income. This trip alone is costing me a fortune. I had to cancel three jobs and pass tho to a another caterer that at least was willing to give me a finders fee. It wouldn't even cover my flight. At least I know I have enough in the bank to cover the week. I'll check out the ranch, pack up what's needed, meet with the family attorney and a realtor and get home by Sunday night, just in time for to prep for the Lewis meeting on Thursday. I can do this.

"Please fasten your seatbelts we are experiencing some turbulence." The pilot says overhead.

Shit! I really hate to fly! I swallow down my drink and wish the flight attendant would come back so I could get another one. My knuckles are turning white as I grip onto the armrest tight. If only it didn't take so long to drive from New York City to Texas, I would have driven in a heartbeat. I close my eyes and hope I can fall asleep for the rest of the flight. I hate this.

The rest of the flight I thought I was going to throw up. By the time we landed I was sick. I grabbed my laptop bag, my purse and walked quickly off the plane. I headed straight over to baggage claim grabbed my suitcase and look around. Nothing looks familiar and I don't see anyone here that I know from the ranch to pick me up. God, did they forget I was coming in. It wouldn't be the first time I was forgotten. The thunder rumbled through the airport, the lightning flashed causing the lights to flutter on and off. I really don't have a good feeling about any of this.

"Charlie! Charlie!" The older man's voice got closer to me until he touched my arm. "Darlin, didn't you hear me calling you, Charlie?"

As soon as I turned around and faced him I knew him. He was my grandparents right hand for years, but I thought he had retired and his son had taken over. Maybe it was better a familiar face picked me up. Someone who knew me, knew who they were looking for. It was understandable. I don't think I could even remember what Ryan looks like. He wasn't around the house much. If I remember right he spent most of his time with the cattle and horses. I remember he wore a black hat and jeans all the time. I don't think I even know what color his hair is.

"Charlie? You okay you look a little green, girl." Pops rubs my back gently.

"I don't fly well." It's been years since I went by Charlie. I'd forgotten my grandparents and everyone on the ranch called me that. "I'm sorry, Pops. I've been going by Charlotte the last several years. I forgot my nickname. It's good to see you."