The Murray Twins

By Karen Ward

A duet featuring the first two books in the Wounded in Wyoming Series.
Finding Diamond Girl is the story about Jason Murray. Jenny Wall has lost everything ... her parents, her childhood home, her abusive husband, and her beloved mare, Diamond Girl. Now that she is finally out of the hospital she intends to find her mare, the only family she has left so she purchases a bus ticket to Cody Wyoming, the closest town to where her mare is living on the Rocking J Ranch.
Jason Murray left his lucrative job on Wall Street and his fiance to return to Wyoming to save the family ranch from financial ruin by implementing a horse breeding program. When the pretty new waitress from the diner in town shows up at his ranch looking for Diamond Girl, he is surprised by the protective feelings she arouses in him. Can Jenny get past the abuse and open her heart to Jason? Will Jason be willing to try again?
Searching for a New Home is Jacob Murray's story. When Jana Bowen finds a young girl hiding in the corner of the restroom at a truck stop in Wyoming, she never dreams her kindness will open the door to the fulfillment of her most cherished dreams. Then when she is arrested for the murder of a former lover she is sure her life is over. Far from home with no friends or family, she calls the one person she hopes can help, the young girls father.
Famous criminal defense attorney Jacob Murray is tremendously thankful that Jana Bowen saved his daughter, Dani when she was abandoned at the truck stop by Cybil, his so-called girlfriend. So when Jana calls him for help, he can’t refuse.
Will Jacob be able to secure an acquittal for Jana? After his bad marriage and a girlfriend that abandoned his daughter, can he learn to trust again? Will bringing Jana to the ranch cause more heartache for his daughter? Can Jacob protect Jana from the killer that framed her for murder?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karen Ward
• Release date: Jan 11, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311640536

Karen Ward

Karen Ward is the pen name of Glenda Hays. Glenda grew up in Texas but traveled the United States as a healthcare consultant for many years. She has over twenty years in the healthcare industry and has spent many hours on airplanes reading the stories of her favorite Romance writers.A few years ago she found herself one of the millions of Americans on the unemployment rolls and after a few months began to put some of her own stories down on paper. She loves the challenge of writing and plans to spend every spare moment sharing her love of her heroes and heroines with the world.Glenda is divorced with two grown children and three grandchildren. She lives in a small town in the DFW Metroplex.

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THE MURRAY TWINS

Wounded in Wyoming 1& 2

Karen Ward

Copyright © 2014 Karen Ward

All rights reserved.

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Table of Contents

Finding Diamond Girl

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Searching For A New Home

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Epilogue

About The Author

From The Author

FINDING DIAMOND GIRL

CHAPTER 1

The pickup slides sideways on the icy road, and my heart jumps into overdrive, panic rolling over me in waves, as I brace myself for the coming crash. I glance toward my husband, who is struggling to keep the truck from careening out of control. I hear the loud screech of the tires against the icy pavement, and am blinded by the glare of twin headlights rushing toward me. The deafening blast of an air horn, combined with the grinding crunch of crumpling metal echo in my ears. My heart is slamming against the walls of my chest as terror overwhelms me. I open my mouth to scream ...

Lady! Wake up! You're having a bad dream!

I jerk awake, and sit up straight in the seat. Oh! Um ... thank you. My heart is still pounding with fear, as I concentrate on inhaling slowly through my nose, and exhaling through my mouth, in the controlled manner taught to me by my psychiatrist. I can feel my whole body trembling, as the memories of the accident assail me once again. Dear God, when will these terrifying nightmares stop? Will I ever be able to put that horrible night behind me?

I take another deep breath and lean back in the seat trying to appear calm. I am completely exhausted from being on this bus for the last twelve hours. I have tried to stay awake the whole time, fearing the return of the dream, but the monotony of the long drive must have finally overtaken me.

I look over at the older man sitting next to me, who is staring at me with a frown on his face. I feel a blush slowly crawling up my neck. Dear God, what is he thinking? I really need to distract him, so he doesn't start asking questions. Um ... where are we?

He ignores my question, and asks one of his own. Are you all right? You look awfully pale.

Um ... yes ... I'm fine. It was just a bad dream. I try to reassure him.

He shakes his head in disbelief, but doesn't pursue it. Well, we turned off the interstate a while ago. The way I figure it, we should hit Cody before too long. He glances at his watch. It shouldn't be more than another hour or so.

I feel a slight smile turn up the corners of my mouth. Thank you. The closer I get to my destination, the more excited I become. Ever since the accident twelve month ago, that killed my husband, I have dreamed of this day... the day I can begin my search for Diamond Girl.

He interrupts my thoughts again. Are you from Cody?

Boy, I hope he doesn't ask me too many questions. Um ... no ... I am thinking about relocating there, though.

I didn't think so. I would have seen you around, if you lived there.

How about you ... do you live in Cody?

Yep, I've lived there most of my life. It's a great little town. You are going to love it. The people are really friendly and welcoming to new people. It has a really low crime rate, and the area is unbelievably beautiful. What's your name, anyway?

Jenny ... Jenny Wall. What's yours?

Folks call me Will.

Um ... since you live there and all, Will, have you ever heard of the Rocking J Ranch? My heart starts pounding with excitement. I believe that Diamond Girl is living at the Rocking J Ranch, and I want as much information as I can gather about the ranch, and its owner.

Sure. Everybody from around here has heard of the Rocking J. It's one of the biggest ranches in the area. Why do you ask?

Um ... well ... I feel my face turning bright red with embarrassment again, and my mind is racing, trying to come up with a reasonable answer. Then, one hits me. The Rocking J has a horse breeding operation. I ... I'm thinking of buying a horse from them.

He nods. They have some mighty fine horses at that ranch. Bob Kenner, the ranch manager, is one of the best trainers around. I hope you brought a pocketful of cash, though, because the horse's he trains aren't cheap. I heard the other day the going price for one of their prime stock is around $25,000.

I can't stop the gasp that escapes my throat. Twenty-five thousand dollars? That's unbelievable! Dear God! How will I ever afford that kind of money?

I know a look of desolation must have crossed my face, because he hurries to add. Oh, now, don't let that discourage you. I've also heard about the owner, Jason Murray, making special deals on some of their stock. As pretty as you are, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to hear you got a special deal. A genuine smile crosses his face.

I feel another blush rolling across my face, this time for a different reason. I wonder what he meant by that?

I am staring out the window, when my wandering thoughts are interrupted again, by the same man, Well, this is it. Let me be the first to welcome you to Cody, Wyoming. He says it with pride, and my level of excitement rises.

I sit up straighter in the seat, and begin paying more attention to the landscape passing by my window. Wow! This is a lot different from what I expected!

Yeah, it's really beautiful here. That's why I call it home.

I am fascinated by Cody Wyoming. It is a small western town, just outside of Yellowstone National Park, with a population of around ten thousand, and I love it. I read that Cody got its name from legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, and is a town where the cowboy culture thrives.

The bus pulls to a stop in front of a diner, and the passengers begin disembarking. When we step down from the bus, Will calls to me over his shoulder, as he walks away. Good luck, Jenny! Hope to see you again!

I wave at him, before turning in a circle, taking in everything I can see. From that very first moment, I feel a strong sense of coming home. I take a deep breath and expel it slowly, a huge smile on my face.

I decide to go inside the diner and get something to eat, while I contemplate my options. As I push open the front door, I see a sign in the window, WAITRES WANTED. Hmmmm, could I do that? I've never waited tables before, but it can't be that hard. Maybe, I'll try.

I make my way to the counter, and take a seat on one of the stools. A very friendly looking, older woman approaches, and lays a plastic covered menu on the counter in front of me. She has bleached, blonde hair twisted into a tight bun at the back of her head. She is wearing jeans and a low cut blouse that emphasizes her big breasts. She smiles, and asks, Hello, Sweetie, what can I get you today?

I quickly scan the menu she placed in front of me. Um, what do you recommend?

Well, the special today is meatloaf, but everything is really good.

Okay, then, I'll have the meatloaf. She turns and starts to walk away. I call after her, Um, can you tell me about the waitress job?

A huge smile spreads across her face. You just sit tight, I'll get the manager.

I nervously twist the paper napkin she placed in front of me. Oh God, what am I going to say to the manager? I don't know anything about being a waitress!

A swinging door down at the end of the counter opens and a giant of a man steps through, wiping his hands on the apron around his waist. He is older, probably sixty, wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt that is spattered with tomato sauce and grease. He runs his fingers through his thinning, white hair as he approaches me. As he nears, he extends his hand,

Well, hello, I'm Pete Wilson. What's your name, young lady?

Um, I'm Jenny Wall.

It's nice to meet you, Jenny. Hilda tells me you're interested in the waitress job?

Um, well, maybe. I probably should tell you right up front, that I have never waited tables before. In fact, I've never really worked anywhere before, but I will work hard, and I am a quick learner.

Jenny, how old are you?

I'm twenty two.

I hear him sigh with relief. Good, you look younger. What brings you to Cody? You're not running from the law, are you?

I blush bright red. No, Sir. I'm just looking for a new start. I like the looks of this town. I think I will like it here.

"Please forgive me for being nosy, but where is your family?'

I look down at my hands, Um, I don't have a family. They are all dead.

Oh, I'm sorry. Well, if you're willing to work hard, I'm willing to give you a chance. Be here at six sharp in the morning. Hilda will train you. Where are you staying?

Um, I don't know. I haven't found anyplace yet.

Well, I'll call Johnny down at the Wild West Inn. It's right down the road, about three blocks. It's not much, but they have weekly rates and the rooms are clean. Johnny will make sure you aren't bothered either.

Thank you!

So within the first hour of being in Cody, I have a job and a place to live. My plan is officially on track.

*****

I find that I am quite good at waiting tables and I quickly settle into a routine, working both the early morning and late evening shifts at the diner. After just one week, I am able to wire a large chunk of money back to my friend, Amanda Reynolds, in Denver. Amanda is a nurse at the hospital, where I spent the last year recovering from the accident that killed my husband. When I was released, she took me into her home, bought me clothes, helped me readjust to life, and then loaned me the money for my trip to Wyoming. She has been a wonderful friend.

With my second week's tips, I purchase my very first cell phone, and call Amanda giving her the number, and telling her all about my new job and home in Cody, Wyoming.

Hi, Amanda, it's Jenny!

Jenny! How are you? I have been so worried! Thank you for sending the money so quickly, but are you sure you don't need it?

Laughing, I respond, No, I'm fine. I have a great job working at a local diner, and the tips are really good. I love it here in Wyoming. The people here are so friendly and nice. You'll have to come out for a visit, when you get some time off.

I would love to! I'm just glad you are doing well. Jenny, why didn't you tell Dr. Bennett you were leaving? He's very worried about you. He has been harassing me every day, trying to get information about where you are and how you are doing.

Blushing, I reply, I didn't tell him, because I didn't want him to worry about me. I'm fine, really. Please tell him not to worry. I'll call him soon, okay? I should have enough money before too long to really start my search for Diamond Girl.

Okay, Jenny. I'll tell him. Take care of yourself, and promise to call me if you need anything, all right?

Of course, Amanda, and thank you for all you've done. Bye. I disconnect, shaking my head. Bradley, Dr. Bennett is so nice. What would I have done without him?

CHAPTER 2

Jason Murray takes a sip of his cold beer, and leans back in the rocking chair on the porch of his home outside of Cody, Wyoming. As he watches the sun sink lower in the western sky, he lets his mind drift. Life is good. He is more content with his life today, than he has been in a very long time. The new horse breeding program he started at the ranch is flourishing, and he is operating in the black for the first time, since he left his job in New York City. It was a long, painful road, but he made it. A slow smile of satisfaction slides across his face.

Taking another sip of beer he thinks back over the last year and shakes his head. His life was in turmoil one short year ago. The ranch was in a financial crisis, bleeding money, so he made the decision to give up his very lucrative job as stock broker and investment counselor in New York City, to come back to Wyoming, and start the breeding program to save the ranch. The cost had been high. Not just financially, the decision had cost him Kendra, too. At the time, he was devastated.

Kendra Kile, his former fiancée, was petite and beautiful, with shoulder length copper colored hair, sparkling emerald green eyes, and a sprinkle of freckles across her nose. She was smart and sophisticated with all of the qualities he had long believed would make him the perfect wife.

When he decided to return to Wyoming, he excitedly surprised Kendra with a weekend away, just the two of them, at the ranch. He'll never forget that conversation.

Wyoming? Are you kidding, Jason? Why would we want to go to Wyoming? asks Kendra, wrinkling her nose in distaste.

Come on, Kendra, it'll be fun. Wyoming is absolutely beautiful. You are going to love it, responds Jason, certain she will come around once she visits his favorite state and boyhood home. I already have the tickets. We leave at noon on Friday, and return on Sunday. Please? A shiver of apprehension slides down his spine at her reluctance.

That weekend can only be described as a disaster. Kendra was irritable and whined the whole time. As hard as Jason tried, he wasn't able to please her. She hated Wyoming, hated the ranch, and was not shy about expressing those feelings. When he told her of his plan to quit the brokerage firm, and move back to the ranch, she was blunt, even cruel. She laughed in his face, when he suggested she come with him to Wyoming.

So when Jason left for Wyoming, he was hurt, angry, and alone.

Over the first few months in Wyoming, Jason tried to rationalize Kendra's behavior. Maybe he had expected too much of her. She had never lived anywhere but the city, maybe given time away from him, she would change her mind. But he couldn't get away from the feeling that it wasn't him Kendra loved, but who she wanted him to be, a wealthy stockbroker that put her on a pedestal and catered to her every whim.

After months of chastising himself, Jason finally realized he wasn't the one at fault in the failure of their relationship. Marriage is supposed to be a partnership, and Kendra wanted a slave. The feelings he thought were love, turned out to be nothing more than lust. Now he is relieved to be free of the shackles marriage to Kendra would have placed around his free spirit. Closely observing his twin brother, Jacob's, marriage to Beverly has shown him that.

His thoughts are interrupted by his friend, and the ranch manager, Bob Kenner, calling out to him as he approaches the porch, Hey, Jason, are we still planning on going to that horse sale in Cody tomorrow?

Absolutely ... I was told by John at the sale barn, that some really fine breeding stock is expected. Some guy from Texas is dissolving his breeding program, and shipped a truck load of broodmares here to sale.

I didn't know that. It ought to be worth our time then. When do you want to leave?

Well, the sale starts at ten, so let's plan on leaving here around seven. That way we can pick up breakfast at the diner in town.

Sounds good ... I'll be ready.

*****

It's almost midnight on a Saturday night, three weeks after I arrived in Cody, and the diner is especially busy because of a huge auction at the fairgrounds. It seems people from everywhere have stopped in for a late night supper. I am rushing from table to table, excited about the good tips the heavy crowd will mean. A few nights like this one and I'll make enough money to be able to buy a used car. I'm going to need one before next winter.

I have just dropped off the food for a family of four, when a couple of cowboys at the next table call for my attention. As I am refilling their coffee cups, one of the two cowboys addresses me,

Hey Beautiful, what time do you get off? Wait just a minute! Don't I know you? Yeah, I know! You're married to Gavin Billings, aren't you? Where is that old dog keeping himself these days? I haven't seen him in ages. I guess the last time was when he lost that mare to me playing poker. says a skinny, pimply faced cowboy.

A cold chill runs down my spine at the cowboy's words. I am surprised to have been recognized by someone this far from Denver, so I look at the cowboy for a minute, trying to place him, before responding, Gavin's dead. Are you the one he lost Diamond Girl to?

Dead? When did that happen? asks the