The Keeping Page 4

  A dry chuckle escaped Ryne’s lips as he watched Armand working behind the bar, simultaneously serving beer, laughing at a customer’s off-coloured jokes and keeping a watchful eye over the activity on the floor. The bartender’s name really didn’t suit him at all. Armand St. John sounded like some effete interior designer and the bartender was anything but. Closer to seven foot than six, his body structure was like that of a bear and his appearance was not far off either; curly black hair peeked out of the collar of his shirt and covered the top of his head and the lower half of his face, his acquaintance with a barber or scissors obviously but a distant memory. A genial sort, he ruled the pub with an iron fist, acting as bouncer when the locals got too rowdy and providing a listening and sympathetic ear when needed.

  The establishment, like its owner, was rough around the edges but basically a decent place. It was clean but not fancy, the wooden floors scarred from years of use and the walls decorated with plaques, a few dartboards and some questionable artwork ranging from movie posters, dogs playing poker, to a few poorly done oil paintings that some whispered had been painted by Armand himself, though no one dared to ask.

  It was Friday night and the usual crowd had swelled due to the hockey game playing on the big screen TV that Armand had proudly installed a few months earlier. The favourite team was in danger of being out of the running for the playoffs and everyone had gathered to lend moral support. By some miracle, they were up three points and shouts of excitement rang out from all corners of the packed room. Waitresses scurried through the crowds, trays of beer, hotdogs, and pretzels skilfully balanced over their heads. Miraculously, they avoided the erratic movements of the patrons and managed to complete their jobs without mishap.

  Ryne was thankful that smoking was banned in public places in Ontario; otherwise the room would likely have been a sea of haze and have smelled like an ashtray. As it was, those who craved nicotine kept entering and exiting the bar regularly, getting their fix and then coming back in while shouting questions about what had happened in the game during their absence. The constant opening and shutting of the door meant that gusts of cold night air kept swirling inside, ensuring that the smell of sweat, beer and fried onions was thoroughly distributed around the large room.

  The heat from dozens of bodies, the flickering lights from the TV screen and the sounds from a myriad of conversations bombarded Ryne’s senses. He let it all wash over him as he sat in the far corner, content to hide in the relative peace and darkness it offered. His eyes were half closed as he watched the activity around him, his breathing deep, and even, his body appearing relaxed. He was in his own isolated bubble, detached from his surroundings, yet still aware on some instinctual level, in case something occurred that required a quick reaction.

  Hockey was a fine game, the company was good, but tonight he had no interest in either the sport or in socializing. It was only at the insistence of his friends, Daniel and Bryan, that he’d conceded to leave the house. Lately, he’d been feeling out of sorts and he was sure they were trying to cheer him up, not only as part of their duty as friends, but because they were tired of dealing with his moods.

  Maybe the problem was the fact that it was his birthday, and he was another year older. He didn’t feel older, despite what the calendar said. Tired, yes. Older, no. The renovations on his house were extensive and almost every waking hour was spent trying to repair the place. It was hard work, but he didn’t mind it. Sitting and doing nothing all winter would have driven him insane. The work gave him a purpose, even if it wore him out. So yes, he was tired, but that wasn’t the problem.

  Taking another sip of his beer, he thought about the package he’d received in the mail this morning. His sister-in-law, Elise, had sent him a sweater for his birthday and a collection of cards from other members of the pack. It had been nice to read their well-wishes, but now he was feeling melancholy, missing the family he’d left behind when he’d moved here. It wasn’t as easy as he’d thought it would be, striking out on his own. The hard work and lack of money weren’t that difficult to deal with; it was the absence of an extended family. He was used to being part of a large group and now there was only himself and his two friends. They got along fine, but sometimes the large house he’d purchased seemed empty and cold. Lately, he’d find himself looking around and imagining what it would be like to have happy voices and friendly faces filling the place.

  Shifting in his chair, he absentmindedly watched a leggy blonde walking by his table for the third time. She gave him a thorough once over and flashed a smile his way. Automatically, he grinned back and winked, even though he had no real interest in her. After all the years he’d spent carousing, such a reaction was ingrained into him.

  Hmm… Maybe, the problem was that he needed to find a permanent companion. It was spring after all; time for all healthy males to look for a mate. The only difficulty was that no one appealed to him as much as his sister-in-law did. She was a sweet thing, usually quiet and trying to please everyone, but with a strong, feisty side to her as well; it just didn’t appear that often. He quirked his lips as he thought about how much he enjoyed provoking her, seeing her temper flare and her cheeks start to flush. Elise was lovely, with big green eyes and dark brown hair that fell about her shoulders in a glossy sheet. Her voice was soothing and her smile could brighten even the darkest of days. Too bad she was madly in love with his half-brother, Kane.

  They made a great couple and Ryne knew he’d never have a chance with her, but still some part of him longed for a partner like Elise. He snorted ruefully and took another swig of beer, wiping his mouth on the back of his hand. It was all a pipe dream; someone like Elise would never put up with him. There were too many rough edges to his personality for a girl like that. His sense of humour was too off-beat, he was too impulsive and too quick to anger. Mind you, once he made a mistake, he owned up to it and faced the consequences, but then again, that was what any real man would do.

  This made him think of last fall’s debacle. His then girlfriend, Marla, had turned out to be a scheming bitch, intent on forcing Kane into selling his land to an oil company just so she could get her hands on the proceeds through computerized bank fraud. The woman had even stooped to murder to get her own way, killing the man that had been like a father to both himself and Kane. She then pitted brother against brother, for a while totally alienating them from each other. Ryne had found himself an unknowing participant in the whole affair and still mentally kicked himself for how he’d allowed her to manipulate him. A nasty piece of work, the woman had even planted evidence so he’d have to take the blame for her misdeeds. Luckily, Elise had put two and two together and foiled Marla’s plans.

  Once things settled down after the whole affair, Ryne left the area. While there were no hard feelings between himself and Kane, he felt the need to make a fresh start. When he’d noticed the ad for a large parcel of land in Stump River, he’d jumped on the chance, basically purchasing the place sight unseen.

  He had no regrets, beyond missing his former pack. The place needed lots of work, but it was his and there was plenty of room for growth with the possibility of purchasing even more land in the future, as the aging population moved to larger centres that supplied more services for seniors. Yes, it had been a good move.

  Ryne glanced toward the bar to see how Bryan and Daniel were fairing. The two tended get a bit rowdy at times, and for all that Ryne hated playing the heavy, he felt a certain responsibility towards them. More than once since coming to Stump River, he’d had to step in and remind them to toe the line. After all, he was in charge of this grand undertaking and he wouldn’t tolerate their stupidity messing up his plans.

  The younger men had asked to come with him when he announced he was moving here. Both had been eager to make a fresh start after circumstances in their own lives had turned sour. Ryne was grateful for their help and companionship, even if they did irritate him at times. He watched them, indulgently. Right now, they seemed to be behaving.
Each had an arm around the waist of some local beauty and he was sure he knew how their evenings would end. At lot of wild oats were sown around Stump River lately, and as long as the ‘oats’ didn’t start to grow and cause a population explosion, it was fine with him. As a preventative measure, he stared intently at the two men, and as one they sensed his attention, swivelling their heads to look his way. Meaningfully, he raised his eyebrows and nodded towards the girls. Daniel immediately dropped his gaze and nodded, indicating he’d follow the rules. Bryan smirked and raised his beer in a mock toast before tilting his head in acquiescence.

  Ryne couldn’t help but grin at the fellow’s mock impudence. He and Bryan hadn’t known each other long, but the two had forged a good relationship. Bryan liked to push his buttons, but knew when to back off. He was also Ryne’s right-hand man and could be depended on to watch his back if the going got rough.

  Armand looked up at that moment and caught Ryne’s eye. He nodded in response to the implicit question. Soon another beer would be in front of him. He’d already had several and was planning on having several more, drowning his sorrows in the golden liquid. Tomorrow, he’d regret the action, but for tonight, it seemed to be a good idea.

  The beverage appeared in front of him and he looked up to thank the server. An impressive cleavage met his eye with a name tag affixed to it, proclaiming the owner of the bosom to be Lucy. Interest stirred low in his body and he moved his gaze up higher. Lucy had full red lips and big baby blue eyes that seemed to be stripping him naked. His body twitched in response to her silent invitation.

  Ryne felt his lips begin to curve into a predatory grin and he snaked an arm around her waist pulling the woman down onto his lap. He and Lucy had become well acquainted in the few months since he’d moved to Stump River. Possibly she was the distraction he needed tonight. She giggled and ran her fingers through his hair, wiggling in his lap.

  “Is it time for your break?” He rumbled into her ear.

  She glanced towards the bar. Armand had his back turned, watching the game; their team was on a power play. Lucy leaned forward and nipped at his ear. “I don’t think Armand will mind if I spend some time with a lonely customer.”

  Ryne smirked and stood up, quickly leading the girl down the dark hall towards the employees’ washroom. He barely had the lights on in the small room before she was pulling at his clothing. Reaching behind her to turn the lock, he growled as an animalistic hunger surged through him. He pushed her back against the wall and kissed her roughly.

  In no time at all, they were coupling. Lucy legs wrapped around his waist as he grasped her buttocks and thrust into her. The beast inside him wanted out, but Ryne kept a firm rein on himself. It wasn’t safe to let himself go completely, not when this was just a casual relationship that would lead nowhere. There were parts of him that were too dark to reveal to the likes of a girl such as Lucy.

  Lucy was digging her nails into his back and sucking on his shoulder, her release obviously close. Ryne moved faster, pounding into her; her bleached blonde curls and large breasts bouncing up and down from the rhythm. She threw her head back, crying out as her orgasm hit. He continued to rock his hips until she was done. Then, with three more hard thrusts, he found his own release, grunting with pleasure as his seed spilled from his body.

  He quickly withdrew and Lucy kissed him, gushing about how good it had been. Murmuring appropriately, he turned to the toilet, removing the condom and cleaning himself up. In the mirror, he could see Lucy making herself presentable. Once they were both dressed, she kissed his jaw and whispered in his ear.

  “Happy birthday, Ryne. Bryan and Daniel told me what day it was, so I thought I’d better give you something.”

  “Why thanks, Lucy. It was the perfect gift for the man who has everything.” He responded with his trademark grin, patting Lucy’s rear and giving her a kiss before she left the bathroom and headed back to work, a satisfied smile gracing her face. Ryne stayed behind, leaning against the wall of the darkened hallway, thinking about what had just happened.

  He wasn’t sure if he should thank the other two men or hit their heads together for interfering in his life. They probably meant well, and noticing that he was sitting by himself in a dark corner, decided to cheer him up by sending Lucy over. Usually a romp with the waitress would have raised his spirits and he’d spend the rest of the evening enjoying her company. But not tonight. Sure the sex had been good, the release of tension easing his mood somewhat, but a night of bantering with the blonde didn’t hold its usual appeal.

  Running his hands through his hair, he considered what could possibly be wrong with him. Maybe it wasn’t his birthday, or missing the family or the fact that it was spring and he was alone. Maybe it was the phone call he’d received two weeks ago. It had been gnawing at him ever since Kane contacted him, letting him know that some woman was in town asking about a man named Ryne Taylor.

  At first, Ryne had laughed. Lots of girls asked about him and as long as she wasn’t pregnant… Kane had cut through his laughter by announcing that she was there because of the picture. His brother hadn’t even had to say which picture. Instinctively, he knew.

  Ryne was a photographer and he had no qualms about admitting that he was good. There’d been a few showings of his work and some minor critical acclaim bestowed upon him. Last fall, when he’d needed money, he had instructed his then girlfriend, Marla, to sell all of his pictures with the exception of one. Even though their relationship had turned rocky, he’d had faith that Marla would be professional and do her job. The woman had worked at an art gallery and he thought she’d be able to get a fair price for the photographs. Of course, like everything else touched by the bitch, it had all gone wrong. His pictures had sold, but Marla stole the proceeds. Worst of all, she’d sold the one picture he’d expressly said not to show to the public. Now the picture was out there somewhere, and everyone was just waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop.

  He hadn’t told Bryan and Daniel yet, but if someone was inquiring after him, and mentioning the photo, it could only mean one thing. The secret was out and now he had to prepare for the fallout.

  Chapter 4

  It was the middle of March. Spring was making its presence known and the snow was finally starting to melt in Northern Ontario. Bits of green were poking out of the ground and buds were beginning to swell on tree branches. The air contained that indescribable quality of warmth and promise that the last of the wintery weather was past and fairer days were ahead. On the local radio station, the forecaster happily babbled away about seeing flocks of tundra swans overhead as the birds made their annual return migration north, while his co-host squealed with delight over the appearance of a robin in her backyard. Their positive mood should have been contagious, but Mel was too busy dodging potholes on the road to appreciate the wonders of the changing season.

  Not for the first time, did she curse Ryne Taylor, and whatever demon had possessed him, when he decided to move to Northern Ontario. Apparently, Stump River was in the middle of nowhere, beyond decently paved roads, fast food restaurants, and shopping malls. With the exception of a few small farm houses, Mel would have thought there was no one even living here. It was a least an hour since she’d passed through a town, if the small group of houses clustered around a gas station and a general store could even be called something that grand.

  The gas station attendant had assured her that Stump River was ‘a nice sized place, just down the road a ways.’ Mel had grave doubts about the man’s idea of a ‘nice size.’ After all, he’d also assured her the road was fine, only suffering some slight disrepair due to the spring thaw. As the car lurched and then bounced through yet another series of craters, Mel swore. Her teeth were clicking together and her head was almost brushing the roof as she joggled up and down in the driver’s seat. Yeah, right. The road was perfectly fine. She snorted. Sure it was fine, if you were looking to spend a ton of money getting your car repaired, and then visiting a chiropractor to have
your spine realigned. Thankfully, she was driving a rental. Her own vehicle, at its advanced age, would never survive this rough treatment.

  On the other hand, at least her car had decent seats; the rental did not. This fact pointedly came to her attention when a loose spring poked her in the rear for what felt like the hundredth time that day. She was sure that area of her anatomy would never forgive her for the rough treatment it was enduring. Shifting into a relatively more comfortable spot, Mel wondered if Taylor was actually a harbinger of bad luck rather than good fortune. Yes, she was being paid well, but both of her ‘field trips’ to find him had resulted in her facing bad driving conditions, to obscure towns, in poorly maintained vehicles. Oh well, there was no turning back now, and surely her luck was due to turn around soon.

  *****

  Twenty minutes later, Mel pulled into a parking space along the main street of Stump River. She turned off the ignition and sighed with relief that the bone-rattling journey was finally over. She wasn’t made for ‘roughing’ it; the lack of smooth roads and the absence of washrooms and coffee shops on every corner, had her feeling like she’d fallen into some kind of time warp and was now trapped in the back of beyond.

  Yes, she knew she was being a tad melodramatic but her head ached and her body was stiff—what she wouldn’t give for a soothing latte right now. Ruefully, she surveyed her surroundings and fought off despair. Small town—one point. Fancy coffee—zero. Well, she could try to look on the bright side. At least, it was larger than the last community she’d passed through.