Cowboy Bounty Hunter

by Lori Wilde

  "She's a smart one," Luke said, taking a sip of his coffee. "Smart enough to know she's got information we can use. I think you'll be happy you came down here."

  But Sam was already regretting it. Lawyers were notorious for causing delays, not only in criminal trials, but in every other aspect of the justice system. He'd always figured Delays 101 was a required course in law school.

  Now he'd have to bide his time here while Gracie waited for him alone at the house. At least she'd promised to stay put, so he wouldn't have to worry about her.

  Thirty minutes later, Rafferty tracked him down at the coffee machine. "The lawyer finally showed up. He and Dorie are consulting in the interrogation room right now, and then I’ll question her. After that you can talk to her.”

  “Sounds good.” Sam had waited three years for this case to be over, so he figured he could wait a few minutes more.

  But it was more than an hour before he was finally called into the interrogation room. Dorie sat at the table beside her lawyer, looking tired and sullen. Her attorney was a young man, fresh out of law school, judging by the new leather aroma of his briefcase.

  "I told the detective my client is willing to offer information in a criminal case in exchange for a plea deal," the attorney said. "He said you might be interested in that information and asked us to cooperate with you.”

  Sam glanced over at Luke, who leaned casually against the wall with his arms folded. "Yes, I’d like to hear what she has to say.”

  Dorie's head jerked up at the sound of his voice. "Are you a cop, too?"

  He shook his head. "No, I’m a bounty hunter. But I've been working on the Holloway case for a few years now."

  Her mouth thinned. "Gilbert Holloway is to blame for all of this. He roped us in, making us believe he was legit. Then it was too late to back out."

  "Who's we?" Sam asked.

  "My cousin Allison and I," Dorie replied. "She'll back me up if my word's not good enough. I know she will."

  Sam placed both palms flat on the table, ready to get down to business. "Then tell me where she and Holloway are hiding."

  Dorie snorted. "They're not together. Gilbert doesn't trust her enough to let her hide out with him. He doesn't trust anybody."

  Except Gracie.

  Sam's instincts told him she wasn't safe, no matter how much she protested to the contrary. Or maybe it was the thought of losing her that made him refuse to believe her about Holloway. She was so darn loyal to the man.

  "Here's the thing," Dorie said, glancing at her lawyer. "I don't want to do any jail time. I've made too many enemies, inside and out. If I agree to testify against Gilbert at his trial, then I want full immunity."

  "I think you're getting ahead of yourself," Sam said. "I’m not a cop, remember? I just want to find Gilbert.”

  She shrugged. "Fine. I just hope you don't keep wasting time with that Delacroix woman, because Gilbert is planning to leave the country today."

  That Delacroix woman. The way she said it, like acid dripping from her tongue, made Sam’s skin prickle. "How do you know about Gracie?"

  Dorie rolled her eyes. "Allison doesn't take any chances. She knows Gilbert has a soft spot for the woman. So, she's been watching Gracie’s house and knows you've been staying there. The only thing she doesn't know is that you're a bounty hunter. She figured Gilbert brought Gracie in on the deal and you were just another guy who would get a split of the pot."

  Sam hesitated, wondering how much he should reveal to Dorie. Then again, she wasn't going anywhere. "How can Gilbert be leaving today if he's got a meeting set up with Gracie tonight?"

  Dorie laughed out loud. "You people are so dense! This is the reason why he's still on the loose. There is no meeting tonight. It's all a scam."

  Sam stared at her, certain Gracie wouldn't lie to him. Still, there'd been something in her eyes this morning... "How do you know?"

  "Because I was there, in the warehouse, when Gilbert's little Gracie came calling. I heard everything. He set her up, making her believe the tape had some secret message. It's simply bait for Allison. She's the one he wants to frame for all of this."

  "So Allison's the one meeting her tonight?"

  Dorie nodded. "Why else would he make it so easy for you?"

  She had a point, although Gilbert hadn't known Gracie would tell a bounty hunter about the meeting. Or had he? Maybe Gracie had told him all about Sam staying with her. He rubbed his chin, uncertain what to believe.

  The lawyer rose to his feet. "Sounds like my client has given you more than enough information for that plea deal."

  Sam looked at over Detective Rafferty. "That’s your call to make.”

  Luke hesitated for a moment, then gave a brisk nod. "You’ve got a deal. But we won’t make it official until we bring Allison Webb into custody and the district attorney signs off on it.”

  "Just send me the paperwork," the lawyer said. Then he left the interrogation room along with Dorie, who was escorted by a guard.

  Luke turned to Sam. "So what can our department do to help you?"

  It was a sticky problem. Gilbert Holloway was suspected of a possible shooting. As well as his possible involvement in the identity theft conspiracy, along with Allison Webb. But they needed more evidence.

  "Nothing until tonight," Sam replied. "That's when Gracie is supposed to meet Gilbert at the warehouse, although it sounds like Allison is the one who will show up. Maybe you could send a couple of unmarked cars out that way to intercept her."

  Luke nodded. "No problem. Is there anything else you need?"

  "As a matter of fact, there is." Sam stood up and moved toward the door. "But let me buy you lunch first. I'm starving."

  Luke laughed. "I never turn down a free meal. Lead the way, Sam."

  Sam glanced at his watch, hoping to make it a quick meal. He wanted to get back to Gracie. And if everything proceeded as planned, he'd never have to leave her again.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Gracie worked on autopilot that morning at Delacroix Image Consultants. She sorted through the latest job applications, spoke with new clients, and caught up on paperwork while her mind was somewhere else. On Sam, to be exact. And on the videotape in her purse.

  If only she knew what it all meant.

  "Earth to Gracie," Amanda said, standing in the open doorway of Gracie’s office.

  She blinked, then looked up from her desk. "Oh, I’m sorry. Do you need something?"

  "The Miller file." Amanda smiled as she entered the room. “I’ve been standing here for a while now and have asked you for it three times already.”

  “My bad,” Gracie told her, plucking the file off her desk and handing it to Amanda. “I guess I’m not quite with it today.”

  "Maybe you’re not getting enough sleep with that sexy bounty hunter living at your house,” she teased. “Must be rough."

  “You have no idea,” Gracie replied, her mind flashing back to feeding Sam that burnt marshmallow and kissing him in the backyard. It had been perfect interlude—until that phone call this morning. It turned out that spending a romantic evening together couldn't solve everything.

  “It’s been a distraction,” Gracie said at last. “A nice distraction, but...”

  Amanda took a seat on the chair across from Gracie’s desk. “But what?”

  “But it can’t last.” Gracie finally said the words aloud. “I like spending time with Sam, but as soon as we find Gilbert, he’ll be off bounty hunting again and I’ll be stuck here at the office.”

  “Stuck here?” Amanda’s brow furrowed. “Is that how you really feel?”

  Gracie shook her head. “No, I love what I created here. But my favorite part is working with clients out in the field. When I first started this company, I met so many interesting people and learned so many cool things.” She placed one hand on the tall stack of folders on her desk. “Now I spend most of my time consumed with paperwork. It just never seems to end.”

  “Gracie, listen to yourself.” Am
anda leaned toward her. “In the space of just a few minutes you’ve told me: You love spending time with Sam. He’ll obviously leave you behind. You’ll be stuck here. Bored to tears.”

  “I never said bored to tears. But the rest is the most likely scenario.”

  “Call me crazy,” Amanda quipped, “but maybe you should consult Sam before you predict the future for the two of you.”

  “Okay,” Gracie said, laughing. “Now I remember why I hired you, Amanda. You not only recognize my wild imagination, but you help me rein it in.”

  “Hey, your wild imagination is what built this place and makes you such a great image consultant. But when it comes to your personal life, I’ve noticed that your imagination tends toward the catastrophic.”

  “You’re right.” Gracie leaned back in her chair. “I guess if I imagine the worst that could happen, then I believe I can prepare myself for it. Maybe even prevent it.”

  “Well, that’s no way to live—always imagining the worst. You’ll still get hurt sometimes, whether you see it coming or not.”

  “I know.” Gracie sighed. “I saw it coming when I was fifteen, but it didn’t make it hurt any less.”

  “You’re not fifteen anymore,” Amanda reminded her. “You’re an independent, powerful woman who is not afraid of anything—in the business world. Now take that same attitude into your personal life and see what happens.”

  Gracie wished it was that easy. Part of her wanted to reveal her true feelings to Sam and see if he felt the same way. But Gilbert was still standing between them. As much as she cared about Sam, she couldn't compromise her values. And one of those values was loyalty. Gilbert had been her best friend for over a decade and even though they'd gone their separate ways, he needed her now. She couldn't turn her back on him.

  Something that Sam didn’t seem to understand. And might never forgive.

  “I understand what you’re saying," Gracie said at last. “But sometimes dreams are safer than reality.”

  The truth of her own words hit her in the solar plexus. Lately, she’d been dreaming of a more adventurous life, yet kept finding excuses not to pursue it. She had obligations to fulfill, but so did most people. And many of them still found a way to make their dreams come true.

  Maybe she needed to stop focusing on the obstacles in her way and start looking for opportunities instead. That’s exactly what Gracie had done in the early days of her business. Maybe she was ready to throw caution to the wind again, and just go for it, knowing full well there wouldn't be any guarantees.

  The fact that she was even considering such a thing surprised her. But deep down, Gracie knew she was more than considering it. She was going to do it.

  A text notification sounded on her cell phone. She picked it up from her desk and read the brief message from Michael. Then she shot up from her desk. “Sorry to cut our conversation short, but I need to leave for a while.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Amanda said with a smile. “I can cover everything.”

  “Yes,” Gracie said, taking a moment to appreciate her good friend and coworker. “You can.”

  #

  “We got it!” Michael pumped his fist in the air. “This building will be officially designated as a historical landmark by the state of Texas. And I believe there is some preservation funding available to help pay for upkeep and repairs.”

  Gracie’s mouth dropped open as she turned to Aunt Jolene, who looked just as stunned. “Wow, that was fast.”

  Michael nodded. “It will take a few weeks to receive the official documents, but it’s a done deal.” He smiled at Aunt Jolene, who still hadn’t spoken a word. “You won. No one can ever tear this building down now. And the value of the building and the lot it’s sitting on will likely increase now, so you should be able to borrow operating funds if you need them in the short term.”

  “Thank you, Michael.” Jolene walked over and shook his hand. “I never could have done this without you. But I won’t need operating funds. I’m going to sell this place.”

  “What?” Gracie exclaimed. “But you won! Merle lost. And you love this old building.”

  “I do.” Jolene nodded as she looked around the shop. “That’s the only reason why I’ve kept my shop going for as long as I have, even though I’ve been ready to move on to something new for a while now.”

  Michael glanced at his watch. “Excuse me, ladies, but I have a meeting soon, so I need to go. Jolene, it was a pleasure working with you. And I hope to see you again very soon.”

  “We couldn’t have done this without you,” Gracie said. “I’ll see you in the office.”

  “Yes, thank you again, Michael,” Jolene said as she walked him to the door. “You were the perfect man for the job.” She stood in the open doorway as he took his leave, then spun around and clapped her hands. “Can you believe it, Gracie? We did it!”

  “I’m so happy for you, and even happier that I don’t have to see this beautiful building demolished.” Gracie smiled, setting her purse on the stool behind her. “But I’m still a little shocked you’re wanting to sell. What are you going to do next?”

  Jolene shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve been so busy fighting off Merle’s bullying tactics that I haven’t given it much thought.” She walked to the front counter. “I’ll miss this place, but I’m ready for a new adventure.” Then a mischievous gleam lit her eyes. “And speaking of adventures, how’s that good-looking bounty hunter of yours?”

  “You haven’t met him, so how do you know he’s good-looking?”

  “Hattie Holden showed me a picture, along with photos of her other five grandsons. I can’t imagine how she’ll have any room left in her purse for anything but pictures once those great-grandchildren start arriving.”

  Aunt Jolene picked up her glass of iced tea and took a long sip. “Has Sam ever mentioned wanting children?”

  “No,” Gracie exclaimed, her cheeks growing warm. “We don’t have that sort of relationship.”

  Jolene gave her an inquisitive smile. “Then what sort of relationship do you have?”

  Gracie shook her head. "Look, I don’t have time to stand here and talk about my disaster of a love life. But I do have an offer I hope you can't refuse."

  "What kind of offer?"

  "Well, now that you’re selling the shop, I think this is the perfect time for you to come and join Delacroix Image Consultants. I mean, you’re a Delacroix, so it’s a natural fit.”

  Jolene laughed, waving a dismissive hand in the air. “Oh, stop teasing me, girl. I’m no image consultant.”

  “I’m not looking for an image consultant. We’re expanding and opening some new departments. We’ve discovered that many of our clients want services above and beyond image consulting.”

  Jolene’s smile turned pensive. “Are you serious about this?”

  “Absolutely. Even if you weren’t my aunt, I think you’d be a perfect fit for the position I have in mind. And I have a pretty nice office waiting for you at Delacroix Image Consultants, if you’re interested.” Then she cleared her throat. “It’s my office actually. I’m planning to take some time off.”

  “Well, you’re long overdue for that. I don’t think you’ve taken more than a day off work since you started that company. But how long will you be gone?”

  Even thinking about it made Gracie’s stomach flutter. “I’m not sure. Maybe a year or two. I haven’t worked out all the details yet.”

  Aunt Jolene just stared at her. “Are you alright, girl?”

  “I’m not sure,” Gracie said simply. “I think I’m in love and I don’t know what to do about it. So, I’ve decided to take your advice and pursue a new adventure. I’m just not certain where it’s going to lead.”

  “Those are the best kind.” Aunt Jolene walked over to hug her. “Now tell me more about

  this job. What would I be doing?”

  Gracie breathed a silent sigh of relief. Aunt Jolene had always understood her so well.

  “We need some
one who has your vast experience with antiques and collectibles. There are a lot of clients who are willing to pay top dollar for that kind of expertise for things like office décor, marketing rollouts, and all sorts of custom projects.”

  Aunt Jolene looked skeptical. “Are you sure about that? I hate to say it, but my antiques and collectibles sure haven’t been bringing those dollars to this store. What makes you think my working for you will be any better?”

  “Because we’ve done the research and have already developed a five-year marketing plan. Look, if you don’t take the job, I’ll just have to hire someone else. I have plenty of office space available and the employees we need for this type of work. Now I just need the right director at the helm.”

  Jolene gaped at her. “Director? You’re not talking about me, are you?”

  “I think you’d be perfect for that position.”

  Her aunt started to laugh. “That’s just crazy talk. I don’t have the experience for that kind of job.”

  “You have hands-on experience, and that’s the best there is.” Gracie glanced around her. “Just look at this exquisite store. You’ve been in business here for over twenty years and know all the contractors and suppliers in town. That’s exactly the type of director we need.”

  Jolene took a deep breath, then clasped her hands together and tucked them under her chin. "I don't know what to say."

  "Please say yes," Gracie told her. "We can work out the details of the position later and draw up a contract. You’ll have complete autonomy,” she promised. “I want you to make this new department your own.”

  As Gracie waited for her answer, she marveled at how easily everything had come together once she’d decided to move in the direction of her dream. Just this morning, she'd made the decision to pursue her longing for adventure despite the obstacles in her way. Then Aunt Jolene had announced she was selling her shop and looking for an adventure of her own. Knowing her company would be in the capable hands of her aunt, along with Michael and Amanda, would make leaving so much easier.

  Happy tears shimmered in Jolene’s eyes. “Gracie, this is too much.”