It didn’t take long for the routine of running a ranch to return in Scott’s life. It felt good to be home. What is the saying? “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Scott began to make a mental list of the day-to-day occurrences, which in the past he ignored or avoided, that now made him smile.
1. Johnny losing his temper.
2. Murdoch’s voice booming “JOHN!”
3. Teresa’s tears over her latest ex-beau.
4. Maria’s fast paced conversations in Spanish.
5. Jelly complaining about…well…everything.
Also, a new rivalry between the two brothers was established -Retrieving the Weekly Mail. The first to get their hands on a letter from Madison Campbell was declared the winner. At least that’s how Johnny saw it. Scott found it increasing annoying.
It started with brotherly banter, then the chase, followed by more banter, which resulted in the hands-on-hips-stern-look stance and ended with - Hand it over Johnny - spoken through clenched teeth.
Lately, Scott was able to receive letters from Maddie without incident. His little brother evidently had lost interest to move on to his next victim. Poor Teresa.
Stepping inside the post office Scott quickly sorted out all of Murdoch’s correspondence and happily discovered an envelope addressed to Mr. Scott Lancer. His smile soon began to dissolve.
“That’s not Maddie‘s handwriting.”
His blue eyes narrowed as he examined the envelope’s postmark.
“Melbourne, Australia?!” No. No no no no no no no no no no no.
Scott ripped open the envelope to begin reading the lengthy letter inside.
Dear Scott,
What a joy to receive your letter.
Letter? What letter?
You can’t imagine my surprise!
Oh, I bet I can.
I was so happy to read your thoughts on reconnecting with you.
Thoughts? MY thoughts?
Your suggestion to visit my grandfather in Philadelphia makes perfect sense.
It does?
I would love to visit your ranch first.
WHAT?!
The letter continued on outlining when she’d set sail, the time she dockEd in San Francisco, when the stage would arrive in Green River.
Scott’s eyes drifted to the signature at the bottom.
Sincerely,
Cousin Kinsey
Dumfounded. No wait. Stunned. That was the word Scott was looking for. He was absolutely stunned. What is this girl talking about? He never wrote a letter! Even if he had, the very end all LAST thing he would have ever suggested is for Kinsey to visit the ranch to reconnect. How did this happen? Who in their right God given mind would attempt such a devious plot?
And then, one name came sharply into focus.
“Murdoch.”
He's a lot more charitable in his thoughts than I would be. My first thought would have been Johnny, and just how many ways I was going to kill him.