Quinn by R. C. Ryan

Author:R. C. Ryan [Ryan, R. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, FIC027020
ISBN: 9781455506378
Publisher: Forever
Published: 2012-02-27T13:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

As Cheyenne turned the truck onto the lane leading to her ranch, she fell silent. The closer she got, the more quiet she became.

Even though she thought she was prepared, the first sight of her fire-damaged home was a terrible blow to her heart.

Debris was strewn about the yard. The misshapen remains of the hot-water heater and furnace had been piled into one of the hay wagons. Several wranglers, apparently brought down from the high country to assist in the cleanup, were busy tearing out charred walls and flooring. The back door had been removed, and in the unheated utility room icicles hung from the charred beams.

Cheyenne brought the truck to a stop but made no move to step out.

Seeing the stricken look on her face, Quinn was out in a flash, circling the truck and opening the driver’s side door. Taking her hand, he kept hold of it as they walked side by side toward the house.

“Remember that this is only the first step. Before things can get better, they’ll probably get much worse.”

She shook her head in denial. “I can’t imagine anything worse than this, Quinn.”

“It’s superficial.” He pointed. “The structure is still sound. With new floors, new walls, new windows, and new appliances—”

He heard her deep sigh of impatience.

“I know. It sounds like a lot, but think of this: As you move forward, you get to incorporate any changes or improvements that you’ve ever wanted and wished you had.”

“Like the conveniences I saw in your mudroom.”

“Exactly. In the words of Big Jim, turn this disaster into the deal of a lifetime. Make it a winning proposition.”

She squeezed his hand. “Okay. I get it. Think like a Conway.”

“That’s it.”

She took a deep breath. “Now to see what progress has been made.”

They stepped inside, walking gingerly over floors littered with pieces of drywall and charred wood. The walls were being stripped down to the studs.

In the midst of the chaos stood Wes Mason, directing a crew of wranglers.

He looked over. “Hey, Cheyenne. Quinn. The insurance appraiser is inside with Austin.”

Cheyenne and Quinn moved past the workers and, finding the kitchen empty, climbed the stairs to find the inspector, along with Austin, in the upper hallway.

“Hey, Cheyenne.” Austin turned to the man beside him. “Lyle, this is the ranch owner, Cheyenne O’Brien.”

Cheyenne offered a handshake.

“Lyle Worthy, Miss O’Brien.” The man wore a heavy parka and work boots. Thick, round glasses gave him an owlish appearance as he stared around at the destruction. In his hands was a clipboard on which he had already made several notations.

“Lyle, this is Quinn—”

“Conway.” The inspector stuck out his hand while explaining to the others, “I’ve known Quinn and his family for years. I guess there isn’t anyone in these parts that hasn’t met one or more of the Conways.”

The two men greeted each other before the inspector returned his attention to his clipboard. “Austin was just answering my questions, Miss O’Brien. Now that you’re here, you can help me fill in some blanks.”

“I’d be happy to.

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