Mendoza's Return Read Online Free PDF Page A

grieved the loss of that dream, and the children who hadn’t come.
    Rafe laid his suit jacket over the back of his leather sofa then crouched next to his father and rubbed his back. “How long have you been at it?”
    â€œCouple hours.” He angled away from Rafe’s touch and gestured to the entryway table. “Melina stopped by, left you some books and a DVD.”
    â€œShe said she would.” Rafe checked out the materials. The DVD was marked “Elliot Anderson.” He took the disc out of the case and headed to his television. “I haven’t eaten yet, have you?”
    â€œNope.” Luis stood. When he turned sideways healmost disappeared. He’d probably lost thirty pounds, twenty of which he couldn’t afford to lose. “Is that the way the wind’s blowing these days? Melina Lawrence again?”
    â€œIt’s a business thing. I might be helping her out with something.”
    â€œShe was gone for your mother’s funeral, but she came to see me as soon as she got back.” He brushed wood dust from his shirt. “I don’t understand why she hasn’t gotten married yet. She’s about the best catch in Red Rock, that’s for sure. Doesn’t know how beautiful she is. Loves people. Smile that lights up the world.”
    Rafe hadn’t seen much of that famous smile since he’d returned, but he remembered it, as well as the slow, sexy one she’d perfected, the one he’d likened to her crooking a come-hither finger at him.
    â€œI’m surprised you’re even talking to her, though, son. You suffered a lot.”
    â€œEveryone moves on, Dad. You seem to be okay around her.”
    â€œFor me, sure. But not for you. I don’t want to see you hurt again.”
    â€œI’m okay. But thanks for the support.”
    He slid the DVD into the player then hit the start button. The quality wasn’t bad, but the camera was a pretty good distance away.
    â€œThat Beau Bandero?” his father asked, coming up beside Rafe.
    â€œIn the flesh.”
    â€œA lot of flesh, too. Heard he’s been drinking a lot. It shows— Did he just hit that kid? ”
    Rafe didn’t answer, wanting to hear the exchange between Beau and Elliot, which happened just as Melina had described. “What do you think, Dad? Intentional?”
    â€œDon’t know. Play it again.”
    They both watched intently, then watched it again. One more time. “I can’t tell,” Rafe said.
    â€œBeau’s got his problems, but I don’t think hitting a kid with a ball is something he’d do.”
    Rafe eyed his father curiously. “You’ve always championed Beau.”
    Luis shrugged and moved away, picking up his sanding tools. “I know what he had to put up with at home. Mr. Bandero was hard on him. Working at his ranch, I saw it all the time.”
    â€œWell, Beau’s lucky that people aren’t willing to drive their kids to San Antonio to play ball. Some parents will put up with a lot to have their kid trained by a former big leaguer.” Rafe turned off the DVD without ejecting it, figuring he’d watch it a few more times later. “I’m going to heat up some leftover pizza. Sit down, Dad. Put your feet up for a while. You don’t need to work all day at the ranch then exhaust yourself here.”
    â€œIt’s the only way I can sleep,” his father said softly, dropping onto the sofa, his shoulders slumped.
    Rafe closed his eyes in gratitude. Finally. Finally, he wasn’t hiding his pain.
    â€œI miss your mother so much. The nights are too quiet, and the mornings too empty.” He made an effort to smile. “Been thinking about getting a dog.”
    Rafe sat next to him. “Why don’t you just move in with me? You know there’s plenty of room.”
    â€œI need to be at the ranch. Mr. Bandero’s been very patient with me, but everyone seems to think