Chapter 7
Contact
"we shouldn't be doing this dad, it is wrong" Kallie whispered to Bill as she walked towards her car. "he's got people out there who love him, a family, and we are keeping him from them"
"we can't do anything!" Bill stressed, "If Ben thinks he's at risk he will just get rid of him, do you want that on your head"
"no! but I can't keep giving him Xanax injections either! I've already had to increase the dose, His brain injury is being masked by them, If we don't stop this we could do some serious damage!" She looked around as two cowboys walked past and tipped their hats in their general direction.
"Please Dad, talk to Ben, show him this is not the right way"
"ok ok, I'll try, just go and don't come near here until next week, I want you safe,"
Bill kissed his daughter's cheek and opened her car door for her.
"and stay the hell away from Rusty, "he warned,
"Oh, trust me, dad, I plan too" she turned the key and drove away from the ranch. Her car tore along the driveway, she slowed to wait for the electric gates to open and let her through, once clear she pulled onto the main road and drove off towards Okotoks, the name River Glen reflecting in her rear-view mirror.
Amy picked up her phone, seeing she had a call, the number was blocked making her wonder who it was who was trying to get hold of her,
She sat at Maggie's, trying to drink a milkshake, but failing miserably,
Jack had made her go out for a while, he was not happy with her staying in her room all the time and wanted her to reenter the world. This by no means meant he was giving up on finding Ty. But he needed her to move forward. So Maggie's was as far as she had got. Soraya watched her, knowing how close to the edge she was, her best friend was hurting, and she was at a loss on how to fix it.
"Hello, "she said softly into her phone,
"is this Amy?' the female voice said.
"yes,"
"I don't know if I should be doing this but I need to let you know," the voice said quickly,
"let me know what? who is this?" Amy questioned,
"he is ok, he wanted me to tell you that," she said quickly,
Amy's face went white as she stopped stirring her milkshake and stood up, Soraya ran around the counter to her side, seeing the look on Amy's face.
"Ty, "Amy breathed, "are you talking about Ty?"
"yes, it's not safe for him at the moment to come back, but he is ok, I'm looking after him" Kallie pulled the handkerchief tighter over the pay phone, trying to mask her voice
"where is he?" Amy whispered, her mind racing, this was the first news she had about Ty in weeks. "who is this? "
"I can't say, it's not safe, just know he is alive and he loves you, "Kallie paused hearing Amy sob suddenly, "I'm sorry that's all I can say, "
The line went dead.
Amy staggered slightly on her feet, the reality of what just happened hitting home. She turned to Soraya and couldn't mask the smile that crept across her pale face, "he's alive Soraya, I don't know how or where he is, but he's alive.!"
Amy came barreling into the house and ran through the kitchen without stopping, "grandpa!" she called looking around the lounge room, slightly out of breath.
Jack came out of his room and looked at her with concern on his face fearing the worst,
"he's alive Grandpa, some woman called and said he is alive!" She blurted,
"what?" Jack replied, coming to her side,
"she didn't say who she was but she said she was looking after him and that it wasn't safe for him to come back right now, but he misses me Grandpa, and he needed to get a message to me"
"are you sure this is not a joke Amy, we don't know who this is or how she got your number," Jack said with caution in his eyes, He could see how happy she was, but he didn't want her setting herself up for a fall.
"I honestly don't know Grandpa weather its true or a lie, but it's the first real lead we have got since Ty went missing, so I'm going to run with it" She smiled at him and hugged him tightly "it's something, and that's more than we had before,"
Jack could see her logic and had to admit it was good to see the spark back in her eyes.
"Have you told Murphy, "he asked,
"yes, I did before I came home, he's looking into it, "She said, "God I hope she calls back"
Jack nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. His mind was in another place though, he said it wasn't safe if this was true, what had Ty gotten himself into.
Two days passed and Ty (Clay) was back out working in the stables, he tried hard to keep out of Rusty's way, heeding Kallie's warning, Ben walked through the main doors and came up to him as he threw the last of the bedding into the stall.
"Clay, "Ben smiled touching his shoulder, "working hard,"
"yes boss, "Ty smiled, "as always"
"We have some new stock coming in this afternoon, please make sure the rear 6 stalls are ready for them "
"no worries at all Boss, what time are they arriving?" Ty asked, placing the rake against the stall.
"in an hour or so, "Ben replied, "give them the once over please, and the high-end mash."
TY nodded and went back to work, watching Ben walk down the corridor and talk to one of the other hands.
"when you're done here, get back to the house ok, we have a shipment due in this afternoon and I don't want you getting in the way"
Ty looked up to see Rusty looking over the stall rail at him, an evil glint in his eyes.
"um, Bens told me to give them the once over, so …." Ty said clearly, hoping the mention of Bens name would make him back off. Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect, Rusty looked quickly down the corridor to make sure no one was around, and then charged into the stall, grabbing Ty by the shirt front and roughly pinning him against the stall wall.
"you think you special don't you kid" he snarled, "bens little golden boy"
"let me go Rusty" Ty threatened, struggling against his grip, his feet sliding on the sawdust.
"Rusty pushed him up against the wall again, making Ty wince as his shoulders hit the wood.
"we should have just finished you off when we found you stealing the horses, "He snarled,
Tys eyes looked at him confused, not understanding the reference.
"I didn't steal anything Rusty" he stammered, "I don't understand"
"Rusty! "A voice bellowed from behind them causing them to turn and see Mr. Dawson glaring at both of them. Rusty's grip loosened and he patted down Ty's shirt, smiling awkwardly at his boss.
"It's all good Mr. Dawson, Clay and I was just playing is all" he lied, stepping away from Ty and moving out of the stall, "I'll be ready for the shipment sir, don't you worry about that,"
"Clay is to check them over, "Ben ordered, "do I make myself clear, "
"yes boss, crystal" Rusty sneered as he walked out of the stall and down through the doors.
"finish this stall and go get my keys from the den, there on my desk "Ben ordered Ty, turning on his heels and heading down towards the tack and supplement room.
Ty took a few minutes to catch his breath, the words Rusty had said still playing in his mind.
He spread out the last of the sawdust and then headed off to the main house as directed.
Ty wandered into the house, his mind on the new shipment coming in, feeling proud that Ben trusted him to check them out and give them the all clear.
He walked down the main hallway, his stride happy and carefree,
"Hello Mr. Simmons," a soft voice said to him from the lounge area.
Ty stopped, took a few steps back and peered around the hallway arch to see the housemaid smiling at him.
"Oh, hey Maria, how's your day going?" he smiled a friendly smile, seeing the sparkle that flickered across her deep brown eyes,
"I'm good, how about you," she cooed, her eyes giving away her feelings for him.
"Yeah, good, "Ty smiled, his cheeks flushing slightly, Maria always flirted with him, which he took as a compliment. But it was just fun and games to Ty, Maria was a very attractive girl, and according to Ben and Bill, he was single before the accident, but he just couldn't see a connection. Somehow the idea, although plausible, just didn't sit right with him.
"you doing anything this weekend Clay," she asked, walking over to him, gently playing with her feather duster.
"Um no, Dad said something about a supply run, but that's it' he replied.
"there's this cool little club in Okotoks, a lot of us go there Saturday nights, to listen to the music and unwind. You should come along, we could go together"
The last part of Maria's sentence was more a proposal than a question.
Ty shifted awkwardly, a slight smile playing on his handsome features, he knew he wasn't allowed to leave the ranch unless Ben or his dad was with him. It was due to the medical issues he currently had. But he did so want to just be with people his own age again, relax and make some friends. "um, I'll see what I can do, can't promise anything ok,"
Maria giggled and smiled at him cheekily, her thoughts betraying her,
Ty smiled at her and waved returning to the hallway and continued on his way.
He entered the den and walked over to the desk, searching the top for Bens keychain. But not seeing it. He moved papers around, looked in the in-tray and then opened the top drawer, hoping the keys may have been stowed in there.
After rummaging around a bit, his eyes caught sight of a plastic photo sleeve booklet, he picked it up and flicked through the images, His eyes perplexed by the beautiful vision captured by the lens.
She was around his age, with big blue eyes and long flowing blonde locks, that cascaded around her shoulders. She was a cowgirl, which was easily seen by the choice of clothes, but she wore it well. But there was something about her that drew Ty in. She was the most beautiful specimen of womanhood he had ever seen. Ty looked around the room. Checking he was alone and pulled one of the images out of the sleeve, He ran his fingers over the image, tracing her sculptured features. She was beautiful in every sense of the word, Ty flipped the photo over in his hand and saw a message scribbled on the back. {something to remember me by on those cold nights alone in the trailer. Love you, Ty Borden. XX AMY}
Ty smiled, he wasn't surprised that she was taken, a beauty like that wouldn't be alone. A glint flickered through his green eyes as he pocketed the picture, not really knowing why, but knowing he needed to have it.
He rummaged around a little longer and found Bens keys, quickly he put everything back where it belonged and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind him,
He waved to Maria as he passed and tapped his jeans pocket, his grin increasing with each step.
"Here you go Boss." He said as he entered the tack room and handed the keychain to Ben.
Ben smiled and took them from him, noticing the smile.
"you seem rather chipper today, anything I should know about," He asked, his black eyebrow-raising.
"Boss, "Ty started, as his father walked into the room behind him. He didn't speak to Ty, he went past and went to stand next to Ben, turning to look at the young man who had his boss's attention.
"spit it out" Ben smiled,
"Well, Maria and some of the hands are heading to a club in Oaks on Saturday and I thought I might tag along," Ty asked, hoping that the usual rule would be lifted
"no, "Bill said shortly, looking over at Ben for back up.
"Clay, you know that it's too much of a risk, what if you have a seizure," Ben manipulated
"but I've been feeling a lot better, and Kallie said I'm improving every day" Ty pleaded, "I know you just want to protect me, but I have to live my life again, "
"I said no, now that's the end of it "Bill growled,
"But Dad, "
"No! end of the discussion, now get back to work, "Bills eyes were filled with anger now, not liking the young man challenging him.
"ok ok, "Ty replied, lifting his hand in mocked defeat, annoyance in his tone, "forget I even asked, it's not like you give a crap about me anyways,"
TY turned to walk away, his resentment showing in his tone. He had tried to bond with his father, but Bill wouldn't have it, there was this wedge between them that seemed to be getting wider and wider each day. Ty just couldn't connect with him. There was no bond at all to the man who supposedly raised him singlehandedly.
"Clay," Ben soothed coming up behind the annoyed young man, seeing the agitation in his eyes.
"you know we only want what is best for you Clay, your father is just worried about you"
"come on, he hardly even looks at me Ben, he just barks orders at me and sends me away. "Ty said as they walked out into the afternoon sunshine.
"he's a tough man, for sure, but as your father, he is to be obeyed, the same way I would expect you to obey my rules," Ben warned. He didn't want or need Ty out in the world without supervision, not only was there a risk of memory flashes but there was also the chance that someone may recognize him.
"you're more of a father figure to me than he ever was," Ty said coolly, seeing the slight smile on his mentor's face.
"give him a chance Clay, it's not easy having a son, especially one with as much potential as you"
Ty smiled and considered the request. He didn't remember being close to his dad, he didn't remember anyone to be blunt. He had tried to build bonds with people he thought he should have relationships with. But something just didn't sit right for him with Bill, it was like, his dad had somehow wronged him and there was this resentment there that he just could explain.
"take the trucks to the tanks and fill them up for me will you, "Ben said calmly as he pated Ty on the shoulder and handed him the keychain.
Ty nodded and jogged off towards the truck shed, his mind on happier thoughts mainly the picture of the pretty girl in his pocket.
A week passed and Amy and Jack had left no stone unturned in their new-found resolve to find Ty and bring him home.
Amy's contact with the mysterious woman had given her new resolve, she no longer had doubts that Ty was alive, she knew he was out there and it was up to her to bring him home.
Tim had also upped the ante at the track, with Janice by his side they spoke to everyone they knew, trying to get some lead as to where this underground race syndicate originated from and where it was heading next. It frustrated Tim to no end, as soon as he found someone to talk to, they clammed up and told him not to ask questions about things that he didn't understand.
No amount of persuasion or money would loosen lips, and he had tried everything.
Jack harassed and hounded the RCMP daily, asking for updates and suggesting other angles to consider. His life had been put on hold as his main focus was on bringing Ty home safe and sound.
Amy had tried on numerous occasions to contact Wade, but his number never picked up, he seemed to have dropped off the face of the earth. She had called Lilly out of desperation but only managed to distress Ty's mom further as now for her both the men in her life where nowhere to be found.
"he's just abandoned his family "Amy hissed, putting the phone down angrily on the kitchen table.
"who, Wade," Tim asked, sipping his coffee, flicking through yet another track meet list.
"yes, his number just keeps ringing out," She said, "how can he just skip town knowing Ty is still out there and most likely in trouble. "
"this is Wade your talking about Amy, "Jack said sadly, "his track record isn't great, I suppose we should be grateful that he even went to the police"
Jack placed a cup of coffee in front of Amy and sat across from her.
"but I thought he really was trying this time Grandpa, he helped us save the racehorses, if it wasn't for him we wouldn't have got out of there, "she explained, "but I suppose, I'm expecting too much of someone who spent his entire life destroying his family and abusing his loved ones,"
Her words sounded mean and bitter, but she didn't care, she needed as many people on her team as she could get. Ty was depending on her.
"so, Paladin, "Tim asked, "maybe we should go there and ask some more questions, someone there has to know something or at least be able to point us in the right direction"
"I've been there Tim, no one's talking, they either don't know or their too scared to say, "Jack replied, "whoever bankrolls this thing has quite a long reach and people are scared to cross it"
"Maybe we could set a trap, you know, they steal racehorses don't they, so why don't we give them something to steal, we could make it so tempting that they couldn't help but go for it, "Amy suggested, one of her famous plans brewing in her head.
"Amy, who's going to offer up their racehorse to be stolen on the chance of catching someone who may be associated with some underground racing group. "Jack sighed, "we can't guarantee they are even still in Hudson"
The three looked at each other, their minds filled with different scenarios and ideas when a knock at the door made them all jump.
Jack got up and slowly walked to the door, opening it to gasp in surprise.
"Wade!" he said, his voice cracking slightly, "we were just talking about you"
"Is Amy here, "Wade asked, urgency in his tone, "I need to see her,"
"yes, "Jack replied stepping back watching Wade quickly step inside and head into the kitchen.
Amy turned and her look matched her grandfathers, "Wade! I've been trying to call you for the last two weeks, where have you been!"
"I've been doing my part, as I said I would, "he replied, seeing the looks of distrust on their faces.
"your part, what? dropping off the grid and making a run for it is that your idea of doing your part" Tim snapped, his patience towards the man who salted his maiden race was wearing thin.
"no, I'm sorry Amy, I knew the cops wouldn't find anything, I told you and Ty that the only way to get information about this world is to get inside it, "he rubbed his stubbly chin, Amy could see he hadn't slept for a few days. "I did what I had to do, and its paid off"
"what? you found him?" Amy said shakily, her eyes filled with hope,
"not exactly, but I do know where the next race meet is going to be and when it's running "
Jack looked at him with disbelief, "and how do you know that?"
"because I helped steal the horses that are going to be running in it "Wade snapped.
"you did what! "Jack almost yelled,
"I told you, the only way to get into this world is to be on the inside. So, I called a few guys and rekindled a few relationships and got back in, "Wade rubbed his eyes, seeing that this was not going to be an easy sell. "that's why I disappeared for a while, I couldn't be seen talking to the cops while I'm stealing could I,"
"Wade, I don't know what to say, "Amy said softly," you've just put yourself in the firing line,"
"It had to be me, Amy, no one else would have been believable, and it worked," he yawned and rubbed his face.
Jack walked over to the coffee pot and poured him a cup, offering him a chair and placing it in front of him.
"I know it's hard for you to trust me, and I get it, I do, but I've done a lot in my life I'm not proud of, and Ty has copped the brunt of that, this is my way of making it right, "Wade sipped his coffee and smiled at Amy,
"where's the next meet?" she asked,
"Black Dimond, this weekend, "He said, "here I got the address,"
"and Ty will be there, at this meet?" Jack asked,
"that I don't know, but the guy who organizes the horses said that the main man will be at this meet, it's something to do with double stakes or something, "
"we have to go to this meet Grandpa, "Amy said clearly, "it's the best lead we have, "
"now come on Amy, you're not going running headlong into an illegal racehorse meet, that's way too dangerous, we should call Murphy and the police." Jack retorted, he wasn't going to allow Amy to run headlong into danger.
"Grandpa, we have too, this is our chance to find Ty!" she retorted, desperation in her eyes.
"Amy, Jacks right, you can't, its way to dangerous, "Tim agreed, "we should go," he looked towards Jack and raised his eyebrow,
"no no no, Your face is too well-known Tim, as too is your reputation, they'd spot you a mile away" Wade interjected, "and no offence old man, but you don't look like a high roller either, but with a little work and some fast talking I may be able to pull it off and get you and Amy in," Wade turned his gaze to Amy, as Jack went to protest but held his tongue" You need to hide that pretty face somehow, Liam rides in these events as you know, and he knows who you are and that you were behind stealing the last load of horses"
"Don't worry Wade, I'll make sure they don't recognize me." Amy looked at her grandfather and pleaded with him. Her eyes showing how determined she was to go through with her plan.
"ok, ok, but the first sign of trouble and you're out of there, and we call the cops, "
"I'll let you know when I've set it up ok. But for now, just sit tight and keep it quiet, "Wade stood up and nodded in Amy's direction, he bid Farwell to Jack and Tim and left the house.
"are you really going to be that stupid and trust that criminal?" Tim snapped, "honestly, how can we even be sure he's telling the truth"
"we don't, all we can do is have a little faith that his need to help Ty is what is guiding him this time, "Amy replied "I'm doing this with or without you, "
"Amy, I know you are worried about Ty, but this could be really dangerous, are you sure," Jack asked, "Maybe we should just tell the police and let them handle this"
Amy stood up and walked towards the lounge room. "we will call Murphy once we know we have something to call him about, "
Jack knew by that look in her big blue eyes that he was not going to talk her out of this. He looked at Tim who also smiled a half smile, seeing that arguing was pointless,
"you keep her safe Jack," Tim said as he put on his hat and walked to the door.
"always" Jack replied, rubbing his mustache as he heard the door close behind him.
to be continued
