Secrets Read Online Free Page A

things changed.”
    He glanced at her. Once again, the tone of
her comment made him think more was going on than she let on. If
there was a weak link on the ranch, it was Ms. Cook. She couldn’t
hold water. No one else would spill secrets. “Like what?”
    “Huh?” She blinked at him.
    “You said lots of things changed. Like
what?” He glanced at her sideways.
    She smiled. “Well, Mr. Baxter left a ton of
instructions with Chastity and Sven. You know, no one tells me
much. But, the last few years Baxter worked hard with Chastity to
make sure she could handle— “ A loud bang came from the other side
of the house, followed with childish yelling and squabbling.
    “Ms. Cook?” Kenton’s brow rose. He didn’t
know there were children on the ranch. She smiled as she stood and
walked slowly to the hall.
    “Stop that yelling, I’m in the livin’ room.”
She looked at him. “They’re always ripping and a-runnin' through
here. Probably hungry.”
    Curious, Kenton turned toward the doorway.
His mouth dropped open when two small boys rushed inside, stopping
short of knocking the older woman down. They were similar in
appearance, but not identical. The light brown eyes, light toast
colored complexions, and dark wavy shoulder length hair gave
credence to their sibling relationship. He figured they were under
ten, maybe in elementary school. One of them had his permanent
front teeth. The other’s was missing. All in all, two handsome
boys.
    “Micah, Jonah, this is Kenton Stone, Mr.
Baxter’s nephew. He’s in the military and just found out his uncle
died, so he came all the way from around the world to make sure
everybody on the ranch is doing okay. Isn’t that great?” Ms Cook
winked at him while the boys stared at him in awe.
    “Wow, do you know how to shoot a gun?” The
one without teeth asked.
    “Did somebody blow off your hand?” The other
pointed to the cast on his right arm.
    “Yes, I know how to shoot a gun. No, I still
have my hand. I got hurt and the cast keeps it safe while it gets
better.” He smiled at the genuine interests in their eyes.
    “Before you ask a million questions,” Ms.
Cook turned their attention to her. “Why were you yelling for
me?”
    “Oh, that’s right. Mr. Robbie sent us to
fetch some old towels for the stables.”
    Ms. Cook nodded and headed toward the hall.
“Mind your manners, I’ll be right back.”
    Both heads turned toward Kenton as she left
the room. He had the impression they communicated with each other
in some telepathic way he couldn’t comprehend. He waited for the
inquisition. It didn’t take long.
    “I’m going to be a Navy Seal like Uncle Sven
when I grow up and catch bad guys like Bin Laden.” The one missing
his front teeth said.
    “I’m going to be a doctor so I can patch up
the horses when they get sick.” The other said pointing to his
chest.
    “That’s lame.”
    “No it’s not.” He shoved the other.
    “Yes, it is.” Both eyes turned toward him.
“Tell him it’s lame to be a horse doctor. It’s more fun to save the
world from evil people.” The toothless wonder sneered at the other
one. Kenton knew they were brothers. They had to be. Only close
relatives would be so mean and loving at the same time to one
another. They waited for him to speak.
    He‘d never dealt with kids, but what the
hell. “It’s never lame to follow your dream. Be who you want, do
what you want. If— “
    “See, I told you. I’mma tell mama you called
me lame.” He stalked toward the hall.
    “No I didn’t. I didn’t call you lame. You
always telling. I said a horse doctor’s lame. You’re not a horse
doctor.” They walked away arguing.
    Kenton stared at the doorway. Who were they?
There was something familiar about them, but he couldn’t place it.
The puzzle flew around his mind until Ms. Cook limped slowly into
the room. Concerned, he stood to assist her.
    “Are you okay?”
    She nodded and sat slowly.
    “What happened? You’re limping.” He