"Theresa, your timin' is perfect. Are you with Queenie?"
"I am, she's wonderful, but we have a problem."
"You and Queenie?"
"The thing is, I took her out of her paddock for a walk, and she literally dragged me over to a trailer. Sam told me it's your two-horse."
"That darn mare. She wants to go on a trail ride off the property."
"But, Josh, you don't understand. She won't leave. No-one can get her to move."
"You're kiddin'?"
"I need to tell you something," she said suddenly whispering, "but I don't want anyone to hear and I don't want to leave her."
"Text me."
"Okay."
Ending the call, he waited anxiously. Seconds later her message landed.
She doesn't want to be here. You need to come back and take her out. I can call Heath and ask if she can stay at Dream Horse Ranch for a couple of days. I'm sure he won't mind. Do you want me to, or do you think I'm being an idiot?
A cold chill pricked his skin.
Yes, call him. I'm on my way. Don't tell anyone I'm taking her there.
CHAPTER TWENTY
The moment Josh lowered the ramp, Queenie marched into the trailer, then snorting loudly, she dove into the hay in the feed compartment.
"I noticed she'd barely touched her breakfast," Theresa remarked as Josh closed up the back doors. "I didn't know what to think. Now I understand."
"Yeah, I know. She was upset when I got here, but I thought she'd settled."
"Where are you off to?" Sam asked, ambling up to join them.
"Not sure. I'd like to show Theresa the trail by the falls, but I haven't made up my mind. The rain may have made it too muddy."
"Have fun. What time do you think you'll be back?"
"I've got nothin' much happenin' today," Josh said vaguely, "and you know how trail ridin' can be. I'll see you when I see you. I hope the cleanin' up goes quick."
"I could use another hand."
"Sorry," Josh said with a grin. "I've got two females with me. My hands are full."
Chuckling, Sam shook his head and walked away.
"Okay, Princess, let's get this unhappy horse outta here."
"What do you think the problem is?"
"I have no idea, but I've learned to listen. She's never been wrong. You'd better drive in front of me. You'll need to lead me in when we get to the ranch. I won't know where to go."
"Will do."
Pecking him on the cheek, she hurried to the Land Rover, climbed in and started down the driveway, stopping at the end to wait for Josh to catch up. It was then she remembered Duke Palmer's horse was also at Heath's. Jumping from the SUV, she trotted up to meet Josh's truck.
"Hey, what's up?" Josh asked, lowering his window.
"I just remembered something. Duke Palmer's horse is there. He dropped him off a couple of days ago. I don't suppose it matters, but I had this feeling I should mention it."
"Is Heath a good friend of his?"
"I don't know if they're good friends or just know each other. Apparently when Duke goes on one of his micro-brewery hunts he boards his gelding at the ranch."
"Do you know when he's comin' back?"
"I think he's gone for a week, but I don't know if that means five days or seven days. Is it important?"
"I'll explain when we have a minute. Thanks for the heads-up."
As Theresa walked back to the Land Rover, Josh pondered the news. Though he had no intention of discussing the morning's events with Heath and Carly Boyd, if the conversation turned to what happened to Theresa, or the disappearance of Claudia Harris from The Horseshoe Tavern, he'd have to be careful. Heath and Duke could be buddies.
But Josh was also concerned about his mare.
"Why were you so hellbent on gettin' outta Tall Tree Farms?" he mumbled to himself as they rolled on to the street. "I sure hope I find out soon. We can't stay away forever."
His head spinning with thoughts of Duke Palmer, the scarf, and Queenie's odd behavior, the twenty-minute drive flew by, and following Theresa through the gates of Dream Horse Ranch, he let out a low whistle. An impressive house sat atop a knoll overlooking the outdoor riding ring, three quaint cottages and the paddocks beyond. The indoor arena adjacent to a picturesque red and white barn, sported fabric side panels that had been lowered due to the inclement weather, and though storm debris still littered the grounds, the property was beautifully landscaped and immaculately maintained. Driving past the house and approaching the parking area, he smiled. It offered plenty of room to unload safely. As they rolled to a stop, an attractive young woman moved slowly out of the barn and moved towards the truck.
"Hi, I'm Carly," she said as Josh stepped out. "Very nice to meet you."
"Hey, Carly. I really appreciate this, especially with no notice."
"After what you did for Theresa, boarding your horse is the least we can do."
"Forgive me for askin', but are you okay? You're movin' like you're hurtin'."
"I was bucked off the other day. I didn't come out of it real well."
"Oh, that's right. Chuck."
"Yeah, Chuck, and I have to thank you a second time for the solution to his problem. I just wish I'd met you before I got on."
"Me too. Sorry you're still sore."
"I'm healing fast. I'll be fine in a couple of days. Let's get your mare out. Hi, Theresa."
"Hi, Carly," Theresa said with a smile as she joined them. "Thanks so much. Where are Andy and Salvo?"
"They had to drive out to the back pastures to check on the fencing after the storm," Carly replied as Josh lowered the ramp.
"Will they be back for lunch?"
"I doubt it, but that picnic hamper you took to Springdale was still in the truck." Then turning to look at Queenie, she broke into a wide smile. "Josh, what a gorgeous mare," she exclaimed, stepping forward and stroking the horse's neck. "May I give her a carrot? I brought one out with me, and look, she's already sniffing around my pocket."
"She's pretty smart."
"No kidding," Carly said with a laugh as she held the carrot and watched Queenie happily gobble it up. "I can see why you fell in love, Theresa. She's so sweet."
"The sweetest," Theresa murmured, circling her arms around Queenie's neck and hugging her.
"There's a stall ready, but she can go into a paddock if you want," Carly offered. "The one we have available is on the small side, but it's also the closest to the barn."
"She'd love that. Thanks. Theresa, would you like to take her down?"
"I sure would," she replied eagerly, taking the lead rope. "Come on, Queenie. Let me show you your hotel room."
As she began walking towards the pasture, Queenie lifted her nose in the air and let out a whinny.
"Announcing her arrival," Josh remarked as he closed up the trailer.
"I'm amazed that Theresa has no fear. Before she met your horse she couldn't even bring herself to open her hand and offer treats. And I can't believe she actually sat on her."
"Yep. Her choice. I had nothin' to do with it. She and Queenie had an immediate connection. I've seen it happen before, but not like that."
"Josh, can you stick around for lunch? I know Heath would love to meet you. He's tied up in his office right now, but the invitation comes from us both."
"That's mighty kind of you. Thanks. I'd like that."
"You can unhook your trailer and leave it here if you want. We have plenty of room."
"Maybe I will. I won't be needin' it."
"Josh, can I ask why you needed to move your horse? It doesn't matter, and you don't have to tell me, but I am curious."
"I'm sure I'm not tellin' you anything you don't know when I say a horse needs a change of scenery now and then, just like we do."
"Yep, they do. Heath and I often load up and go on a trail ride somewhere new. It's great for all our heads, and look at her. She's having a ball."
"Oh, no."
Finding the muddiest patch in the pa
ddock, Queenie was happily rolling.
"I know what I'll be doing later this afternoon," Josh said with a chuckle. "I also know what comes next. And there she goes!"
Getting to her feet, Queenie shook, then bolted, and began galloping around the field, tossing her head, whinnying loudly, and bucking like a bronc.
"She's contagious," Carly declared, laughing out loud as the horses in the adjacent fields decided to join the fun and kick up their heels.
"Queenie's started a party," Theresa exclaimed, striding up to join them. "I knew she'd be happy here."
"She's welcome to stay as long as you need her to," Carly said happily. "I'm going to love having her around."
"It should only be for a couple of days."
"I'm sorry, but I need to get up to the house," Theresa said, glancing at her watch. "I need to get lunch on. Any special requests, Carly?"
"Can you make your chicken burgers?"
"Sure. I haven't served those in over a month. Great suggestion. What about you, Josh?"
"Whatever's comin' off the grill."
"Josh, come into the barn and I'll show you where everything is," Carly suggested. "I apologize in advance for moving slowly."
"Sounds good, and no apology needed."
"See you up at the house," Theresa said, heading towards the Land Rover. "Figure thirty-minutes."
As she drove away, Carly walked Josh down to the barn, and entering the airy, light barn he nodded approvingly.
"Love how wide the aisle is. This is a beautiful facility."
"Heath built this place and he'd love to hear that. Getting where he is now hasn't been easy."
"The journey rarely is, but that's what makes the success so gratifyin'. Excuse me, that's my phone," he declared, but pulling it from his pocket and seeing Sam's name, he ignored the call. "Nothin' that can't wait," he said with a grin, stuffing it back in his pocket. "Show me what's what."
* * * * * * * * * *
In the parking area of Tall Tree Farms, wearing grim frowns Detectives Jack Collins and Steve Yates leaned against their navy blue Dodge Charger Pursuit. Though unmarked, the spotlights near the side mirrors, the license plates and three additional antennas on the car's roof advertised its use as a police vehicle.
"Fucking annoying," Jack grunted. "Why the hell did that barn manager tell us Brady would be here all day?"
"Take it easy, Steve. The cowboy loaded his horse and went out on a trail ride. The manager couldn't have known he'd do that, and you're the one who insisted we had to keep our arrival under wraps."
"You agreed!"
"Yeah, well, you're like my wife. There are times it's just easier to say yes."
"What do you make of this place?" Jack asked, changing the subject. "Captain Lewis didn't seem particularly interested in Brady. I don't get it. He's our only suspect, and we're damn lucky to finally have one."
"Must have something to do with that break-in at the tavern. Whatever he found was enough to get a forensics unit out there. Weird, though, that a Captain decided to answer that call."
"He was down the street when the call came in. There's nothing weird about that," Jack argued. "Besides, it seems likely Claudia Harris's abduction probably happened there. He's probably playing catch up. That whole area should have been taped off way before now."
"That's a bit harsh. Her husband didn't report her gone until yesterday, and they had to check out a few things before they could make it an official missing persons case. By that time the storm had rolled in."
"I still think he waited too long, and need I remind you, Josh Brady was the last person she was seen with in that parking lot."
"Doesn't mean anything."
"The hell it doesn't."
"Not in the scheme of things," Steve said with a sigh. "So, back to the point. Do we wait around here until our cowboy gets back? How long do trail rides last?"
"I have no idea. I've never sat on a horse in my life," Jack muttered. "I still think we should poke around his office."
"As I said before, no warrant."
"Not his property."
"Again, as I said before, that's debatable. He leases that barn, including that office. The barn manager doesn't have the authority to permit a search. The owners, maybe, but not that pinhead barn manager."
"But—"
"Jack! Give it up. You're not winning this one. As far as this place goes, anyone could wander in here and plant that scarf in Brady's trailer, and if the test results show it was the victim's, why would a guilty guy leave it sitting out in plain sight for someone to find? I don't like the way this smells. You know what else? I'm betting Tom Lewis has come to the same conclusion."
"Think what you want, Brady is still my prime suspect."
"Then you should make sure anything we find can't be thrown out by some smart-ass lawyer."
"True."
"Thank you. Now, back to the point. Do we sit here and wait, or try again tomorrow? I vote for a run over to the tavern, then swinging by the station and checking in with Lewis. Or the other way around."
"Let's do Lewis first," Jack suggested. "There might be more to learn at the crime scene if we give it another hour. Do you mind driving?"
"No problem."
Climbing into the charger, they moved down the driveway, then sped away. Watching from the barn, Sam shook his head.
"Dumb city slickers," he grunted. "I swear, my Ben and Jerry have more brains than those two."
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Retrieving a key taped to the bottom of his desk lamp, Captain Tom Lewis unlocked the bottom drawer and smiled at his prized collection. A bottle of one-hundred year-old Scotch Whiskey and crystal tumbler, sat next to a humidor holding a dozen illegally imported Cuban cigars. Behind them a modest orange box contained a collection of chocolates from one of the world's finest chocolatiers. Galler. He ordered them from Belgium twice a year. Impossible to eat only one, he limited himself to no more than three on the day he indulged.
He only enjoyed the delectable chocolates, the smooth whiskey, and the fine cigar to celebrate a triumph.
Carefully lifting out the bottle and crystal tumbler, he poured himself a generous amount, then placed the glass in front of the antique inkwell his wife had given him for their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary. A cigar followed, then bringing out the orange box, he lifted the lid and inhaled the rich sweet aroma. Studying the selection, he chose three, and placed them next to the cigar. Satisfied, he returned the bottle and the box, closed the drawer, locked it, and put the key back under the lamp.
He smiled.
He'd solved the puzzle.
Certain pieces were missing, but they'd show up.
They always did.
But a knock on his door interrupted his reverie.
"You wanted to see me, Captain?"
"Wanda, come in."
"Captain!" she exclaimed, staring at the items perfectly lined up and waiting to relished. "You know!"
"I believe I do. Did you manage to reach Derrick Palmer and tell him about the break-in?"
"Yes, sir. We had his cell phone number on file in case of an emergency. It was him, right? Derrick's the dirtbag?"
"No comment. Tell me about the conversation."
"There's not much to tell. He was alarmed, of course, asked if any of his stock had been taken, then said he'd be back tomorrow."
"You didn't mention the clearing in the woods?"
"No, sir. I kept it to myself just as you asked. I told him we believed the tavern was the site of Claudia Harris's abduction. He took that in stride until I informed him his property was now being treated as a crime scene and a forensics team was there."
"Uh-huh. What else?"
"He asked when he could reopen. I told him I wasn't sure."
"Did you run a check on the property?"
"I contacted the title company and they'll be sending over the report later today."
"Good. Excuse me," he said as his desk phone buzzed. "Yes, Millie, what is
it? They are? Fine, send them in. Our intrepid detectives have arrived," he declared, hanging up the receiver.
"Should I leave?"
"Hell no, you'll enjoy this. Take that chair by the window and watch. Here's a pad and pen. Act like you're making notes."
"Captain Lewis, Detective Steve Yates and Detective Jack Collins," his secretary declared, ushering them in as Wanda moved quickly to sit down.
"Hello, gentlemen. Have a seat. Steve Yates, we've crossed paths."
"Briefly at the award ceremony when you were awarded the Medal Of Valor."
"I'd love to hear your story, captain," Jack said. "All I know is you walked into a drug den and saved two guys working undercover. I heard there were a dozen bad asses with guns and somehow you got the better of them."
"A dozen?" Tom repeated with a frown. "That's what you heard?"
"Yeah, I figured a dozen was probably an exaggeration," Jack said with a chuckle. "How many were there?"
"Bad-asses? Seventeen, and two Rottweilers."
Leaning over his desk, Tom had delivered the line straight-faced. Watching Jack's face turn bright red, Wanda had to fight the giggles.
"So, about the case," Steve said, stepping in to rescue his partner, "we just came from Tall Tree Farms. We were hoping to talk to our main suspect, but he'd left to go on a trail ride."
"Don't you mean your only suspect?" Tom asked tersely as he straightened up.
"Josh Brady's our man," Jack insisted. "He was the last person to be seen with—"
Abruptly Tom held up his hand, a silent command for Jack to stop talking.
"I know the story! How can I help?"
"Uh, we just wanted to check in," Steve said quickly. "See if we've missed anything. We swung by the hospital but apparently Claudia Harris isn't there. Wondered if perhaps you could tell us where she is. We'd like to talk to her."
"She's recovering in a private facility and under my protection. The doctors have made it clear she's not ready to answer questions. I'll let you know when she is. In the meantime you probably want to check out the tavern, but after you're done there you should head back to Marionville. I'll keep you posted."
To Catch A Cowboy (Hunks and Horses Book 2) Page 15