“It’s got to be big enough for at least two planes for our new flight service, plus room to restore vintage aircraft, which we both want to take up as a hobby. Also, there needs to be room to house the Investigation agency—and it seemed prudent to make room for a couple more businesses, for the future. Our brother Jordan is a general contractor, which has been handy for us. We’re hoping to be finished by the end of the month.”
“Had planned to operate our two-man crop-dusting operation out of a small airfield about ten miles from our place outside of San Marcos,” Goodwin said, looking directly at him. “Of course, this location would work better, if you were thinking of a long-term merger.”
Morgan felt the weight of Goodwin Hornsby’s shrewd assessment. He didn’t pretend not to know what the man was talking about.
This part of the conversation was likely why the man had invited himself along this morning in the first place. “Henry and I were decided on that merger the first day we met Tamara. She, on the other hand, is going to need time to be convinced. She sure as hell doesn’t trust easily, and she doesn’t expect our relationship to last.”
“You know her well already, I see.” Goodwin Hornsby shook his head and looked off to the south for a moment. Then he turned his head and met Morgan’s gaze. “Yep, I lay the blame for that at the feet of her parents. My opinion? Just because a body can birth children doesn’t automatically mean they should.”
“Amen to that.”
“I never broadcast my means among the family, on account of too many of ’em were born leeches—like Tamara’s mother, Mary-Ellen. You might say, in some respects, our gene pool had no lifeguard.”
Morgan’s laughter burst from him while Goodwin nodded and gave him an almost shy smile.
“Anyway, it wasn’t hard over the years to keep mum, as my relatives tended to write me off as being strange, which in turn made them keep their distance. I never sought the spotlight in life, either. I’m not that well known outside of certain business circles.”
“I think Tamara is pissed with herself for making assumptions where you’re concerned,” Morgan said.
“Well, she shouldn’t be. You might say I deliberately deceived her, at least in the beginning. You have to remember, when she first came to me, I didn’t know what was going on with her. But she was kin, so of course I took her in. When I realized she’d come to me as a last-ditch cry for help, why, then I focused on providing her something she’d never had, a stable home environment. Suited me fine, having her accept me just because of my being me, and not because of my bank account. Still, I’ll make it right with her.”
Morgan led the way to where the grounded Piper waited for repairs. He remained quiet while Goodwin walked over to the plane then slowly examined it.
“What do you think the story is here?” he asked.
“I don’t have a clue,” Although he had his suspicions, and no matter which way he looked at it, the picture wasn’t good. “The fact that the plane isn’t on any FAA list stinks of agency manipulation. Which agency, I can’t say. Hopefully, we’ll have some answers soon.”
“Do you really believe there’s a danger to Tamara or myself?”
Morgan spread his hands. “I’ve learned to be careful and to listen to my gut. I hope I’m wrong.”
“I’ve had amazing luck in business in my heyday, and more recently on the Web, both professionally, and personally. I have to tell you, that plane not being listed, that doesn’t bother me. My being unable to get hold of Smith? That bothers me. Your brother said he’d reach out to the state police, have them do some checking on the man. It occurs to me if we’re in danger, he could be, too.”
“True. But it started with him. If he’s in danger, it could be because he sold something he didn’t have a right to sell.” Morgan put his hands in his pockets and leaned against the door. “What’s your gut telling you?”
“That despite the background check I did, I’ve been taken for a ride. I imagine the money I wired to the man to pay for this here Piper is lost, and as I agree with you, he likely didn’t have the right to sell the damn thing to me in the first place. I imagine someone’s going to show up with the papers to prove it. Eighty thousand down the drain, but that’s my own stupid fault. My mistake, so I can pay that price. But if my actions have put Tamara in danger, well, that’s a price I’m not willing to pay.”
“She landed it like a pro,” Morgan said. “And now she belongs to us, and you can bet your ass we’re going to keep her safe.”
Goodwin met his gaze, and Morgan saw there was a hell of a lot of intelligence and determination in those eyes.
“No,” Goodwin Hornsby said, then came over and gave Morgan a pat on the shoulder. “I’m not betting my ass, son. I’m betting yours. Yours and your brother’s.”
Morgan nodded. “Understood.”
They headed back to the construction site. Morgan intended to see Goodwin off in the car he’d been loaned by one of his fathers and then get back to work. Otherwise, the rest of the family would razz him about being a slacker.
Just a few dozen feet from where Tamara’s uncle had parked the car, Morgan stopped. As usual, his gaze sought out his woman. He found her instantly—and recognized the petite white-haired woman she was chatting with.
Apparently Goodwin recognized her, too.
“Well, Kate Benedict!” He made his way over to the women.
“Goodwin Hornsby! When Samantha called me this morning I knew I had to make my way here as soon
