Page 44 of Landon

“Big Mike! I can’t believe you’re here!” Tad’s smile grew wider as he looked up at the familiar ranch manager.

“Your dad sent me to make sure you two had someone you knew to travel with you on the way home. But we never counted on anything happening.” He teared up. “Damn, I’m glad to see you. Your dad and grandparents will be overjoyed.”

“They’ve got their mother here!” Pamela bit out.

Seeing Penny’s pale face and dark circles underneath her eyes, Noel stepped forward. “The kids need a shower, clean clothes, and a good meal.”

“Yes, yes,” Pamela agreed, nodding emphatically. She looked toward a wide-eyed Horticia, standing at the entrance with Roger beside her. “Don’t just stand there! Get some food!”

Horticia nodded in haste before darting back inside, quickly followed by Roger. The fact that they had almost identical bandages on their foreheads struck Noel, something she hadn’t taken the time to notice when they’d first learned the kids had been taken. She glanced over at Landon, who stood with Devil and Frazier. The three men’s gazes were locked on the front where Horticia and Roger had stood, then bent their heads together as they talked. Pressing her lips tight, she returned her attention to Tad and Penny. “Let’s get inside.”

Horticia had sandwiches quickly made, along with an assortment of chips, salad, and a veggie tray. It struck Noel that the housekeeper must have known when they’d arrive, considering the food was already prepared. She encouraged the kids to go first, and then followed, not ashamed to admit she was hungry. Glancing over her shoulder, she made eye contact with Landon and smiled, knowing he would eat after the others were served. Tad and Penny sat at the table, while the adults moved around the open rooms. Noel stood at the counter, wanting to keep an eye on them while not hovering. After a few minutes, Roger sat at the table beside Tad.

“How’re you doin’, man?” Roger asked.

Tad turned to him, confusion in his eyes. “Um… good.”

“Must have been scary, getting taken like that.”

Tad’s brows snapped together, and he glanced at Penny before turning his attention back to his lunch and mumbling, “Yeah.”

Noel set her sandwich down on her plate, ready to blast Roger for his insensitivity. As she started to push away from the counter, she caught Landon’s gaze on her and the hasty but distinct shake of his head. She didn’t know why he wanted her to stay where she was, but she trusted him even though it felt wrong. Pressing her lips together, she remained in place but turned her attention back to the kitchen table.

“So, uh… did you talk to them or anything? Like have a conversation… or, um… hear them talking?” Roger pressed while glancing furtively around.

Noel noted Landon was facing Frazier, but she had no doubt his attention was focused. Casting her gaze, she noted Mike was near the glass door leading to the patio, and Horticia was at the opposite end of the counter, her hand rearranging the food on the platters while her eyes were on Roger. And Pamela was near the family room, looking at her phone.

The scene before her felt surreal, but Noel kept her mouth shut and monitored the kids. Penny was eating, but her slumped posture indicated the fatigue that Noel was sure the young girl would succumb to once she was fed and clean. But Roger appeared determined to ferret out more information.

Tad’s lips pinched as he finally glared at Roger. “No. They talked to themselves, but hardly anything was said to us. And why are you asking anyway? You’ve never shown interest in me or Penny before.”

Penny now gazed at the two of them, her eyes wide. “What’s going on?”

“Roger just keeps wanting to talk about what happened when we were gone,” Tad bit out.

Roger leaned back, and his hands lifted. “Hey, man, don’t get attitude. I’m just checkin’ on you?—”

“Tad’s right,” Penny said, her eyes narrowing. “You’re just here because Mom brings you.”

Noel was no longer willing to wait before wading in, but suddenly Pamela walked over, obviously finished with her texting.

“Oh, my babies, don’t be upset. You’re home with me now,” Pamela said, her eyes still teary.

Penny pushed away from the table and moved over to the counter to stand beside Noel. “I’m fine where I am,” Penny replied, her tone soft but with conviction.

“With her? But I’m your mom. I’m who you should come to?—”

“Really, Mom? You’re going to play that?” Tad bit out, now swinging his glare from Roger to Pamela.

Noel watched as his facial muscles tightened. No evidence of the little boy remained, as his actions were now fully replaced by those of an angry young man.

“Tad!” Pamela cried. “Don’t be like that! Roger, what did you say to them?”

“Me?” Roger growled, his face now red. He shoved his chair back, the legs scraping over the tiled floor. He stomped down the hall, and Noel noticed Horticia slipped quietly after him.

Noel wondered if Pamela had noticed the two disappearing, but her attention was focused on Tad.

It appeared Tad had reached his limit. “Weknow, Mom. We know why you brought us here. We know what you were doing with Dad. We know you were selling your rights away. We know!”

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