Page 105 of Drifter’s Heart

A heart, and a home.

EPILOGUE

WINNIE

In Freefall

The chopper’s rotors are loud even through the headset West jammed on me. I clutch my seat like it’s the only thing keeping me attached to the aircraft. West’s flying isn’t that bad; I’m simply not a fan of heights. When he said Do you want to survey the building site for Sally’s house with me?, stupid me thought we’d use Cord’s three drones and fly them out from our favorite picnic spot.

I didn’t ever imagine we would be flying over it in an actual physical aircraft. But this is Wilder West. Why would I expect anything different?

He laughs, and I clutch my metaphorical pearls tighter—and my seat. One hand gently moves mine away from a set of buttons I assume he needs for something else. I offer him a wan smile and follow his pointed finger.

“This is where we can run cattle.” West points toward the steepest incline I have ever seen.

“You mean mountain goats!” I screech.

West winces. “It’s a mic, Winnie. And it’s not Hollywood. You don’t need to yell.”

“Oh. Sorry.”

His headset shakes, and I can’t tell if he’s already exasperated with me or laughing at me. Let’s be fair; it’s probably a bit of both. “Okay. And this is where her woolly will live.” Another point.

“That’s a really big area for one sheep.”

“Yeah. It might get some friends.”

“Like a thousand.” I stare at the giant piece of land he points out.

“If we have to get a shearer in, might as well do a bunch.”

“That’s fair.” I consider his words. Sheep eat stuff, and there’s no pasture, just trees. The logistics of it all overwhelm me, and I know he’ll have an answer prepared for everything because he’s been doing it for my brother for years. “What if we like having the forest close the way it is?”

“You have nearly two hundred thousand acres for forest, Winnie. I don’t think you’re gonna run out.” West’s dry tone carries through the intercom just fine. “I mean, you can subdivide the mountain, but I don’t think anyone is gonna wanna build all the way out here, except for us and all.”

Which is kind of the point, or at least one of them. Cord has effectively walled Sally off from the world. But he’s also given her protection, privacy, and a source of income. She’s going to become a rancher at twelve. Happy birthday, offspring. That happens this week. And her total value? She’s headed for the same realm as my brother. Either West or I will need a law degree to keep up with her, or she is. I’m starting to understand my brother’s world a little more. How big it is. Ever-expanding.

The possibilities and…

The fear. Of what’s there and what can be taken away.

“My preciousness is right here and she’s all mine,” I mutter, all too ready to surround Sally in sheep and cows. “But she’s also gotta have a social life. And birthday parties.”

“Pretty sure we can afford to ship some kids in for those,” West mutters, circling around. “Pool here, dirt-bike trail here.”

That’s not the point. Or maybe it is, and I’m missing it. Still… “Dirt bikes? Hell, no.”

“Yep. She asked. And if you don’t let her and educate her, she’s gonna go do it anyway. Teach her, and she’ll be safe, Winnie.”

“I know nothing about bikes except the fallout at the other end.” My ex-paramedic’s mind swims with grazes, broken bones, and traction casts from accidents like Cordell’s. “West…”

“I can ride. I’ll teach her. And I’ll get her coaching from a friend. I promise.”

“Okay?” This is going to go fast. Far too fast.

“We’ll take it slow.” I can sense his smile. “Get you on a bike too, okay?”

“Burn in hell.”