The Right Cowboy

by Rebecca Winters

  His thoughts raced ahead. What if Quentin’s anger had been so great, he’d talked his sons into helping him get his revenge? Kept it all in the family. The more he thought about it, the more he had to do some investigating on his own. Why not tonight? Right now would be the perfect time to drive by his ranch and take a look around.

  He went to his room for his special goggles. The NVM14 monocular multipurpose system was one of the most adaptable multipurpose night vision devices ever made, and could be used in the daytime while he was searching for elk.

  After tucking his tiny notebook and pencil in his shirt pocket, he took off for the Ellsworth ranch. Norm had given them a description of the truck, but Ellsworth could have sold it by now and bought a new one. Like he’d said, they needed proof.

  Traffic was light as he drove out of town toward Cora. He used his Garmin GPS to zero in on the ranch in question. He passed a small motel with a truck stop and diner before he came to the ranch turnoff.

  Cole made a U-turn and stopped alongside the fencing. He could have driven inside, but chose to take a look through the special goggles. The brown-and-yellow ranch house, probably three or four bedrooms, was on the small side with an addition of a second story on one end. He could see a corral, a barn and a two-horse trailer.

  Cole backed up several hundred yards to the end of the fencing, probably marking the end of the man’s property. He parked his truck as far off the road as possible, then got out and followed the fencing that enclosed the front area. Lowering his head, he ran along until he was able to see the back of the ranch house.

  There he caught sight of a dark blue four-door Toyota. Next to it was a red 2014 Ford one-ton truck, but no sign of the Dodge truck. He zoomed in to get the numbers of both license plates, which he copied in his notebook.

  Cole would give the information to Holden who would get the names of the owners and do the research to find out where the Ford truck was purchased. If Ellsworth had turned in his Dodge for a down payment, they’d be a step closer in the investigation.

  Having done as much as he could for tonight, he doubled back and took off for home. After he’d taken his shower and got into bed, he saw that Tamsin had texted him while he’d been out prowling around.

  You’ll be sorry I have your new phone number. Now I’ll never leave you alone. Good night, Cole. I love you.

  He smiled and sent her a message.

  I never want to be left alone, sweetheart. We’ll be together tomorrow. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait!

  Chapter Eight

  After an amazingly sound sleep, Cole awakened with a brand-new sense of well-being and stopped in the kitchen for coffee. Louise had made some fresh and he told her how much Tamsin and her mother had loved Doris’s gifts. He thanked her, grabbed a piece of toast and took off for town.

  The first person he needed to talk to was Holden and he headed for the police station. There was always a lot of activity going on inside. He waited until the desk sergeant told him to go on in to Holden’s private office.

  The sheriff lifted his head. “What brings you in here first thing?” he asked with a smile.

  “I realize Norm couldn’t tell us the name of the rancher he’s tentatively identified as the arsonist, but I’m sure you know who it is. I wanted to know, too. So I did a little investigating and snooping last night and found the name I was looking for. I’m afraid I did something unethical, if not illegal.”

  “I guess that’s the researcher in you.”

  “Maybe. Can we talk strictly off the record?”

  “What do you think? Pull up a chair.”

  Cole tore the paper with the license plate numbers out of his notebook and put it in front of Holden. For the next few minutes he explained what he’d done last night after leaving the meeting at the fire station.

  “I’m hoping with your resources you can find out the dealer who sold Quentin Ellsworth the Ford truck I saw parked out in back of his ranch house. Maybe he turned in his Dodge truck for the down payment to get rid of the evidence. It’s a long shot, but if so, it could mean he’s tried to cover up his tracks.”

  Holden whistled. “I think you’re in the wrong line of business and should join the police force.”

  “My fiancée would never go for it.”

  He sat back in the chair. “Fiancée—”

  “Yup. On Saturday I drove Tamsin Rayburn to Lander with me to see the rodeo. One thing led to another and I proposed. She accepted, but we’re not getting married until I give up firefighting. I told her I’d help until the arsonists are caught. If I suddenly suggested that I’m joining the police force instead, she’d never forgive me.”

  A huge grin broke out on Holden’s face. “Congratulations, Cole. She’s one beautiful woman and smart. Tamsin audited the books last year. You’re a lucky man.”

  “You have no idea. I guess you’ve heard our story.”

  He nodded. “Word gets around. I’m really happy for you, but Chief Powell will have a coronary when you quit. Without your insight, I don’t know how long this case would have gone on without any major clues to understanding the problem.”

  “I never dreamed my career as a biologist would help solve an arson case. But I’m not saying a word to the chief until we’ve caught this guy.”

  “I hear you. Let me put these numbers into the database while you tell me more of your theories. You say you remember his sons?”

  He nodded. “What if he and his two boys, both in their twenties, have been helping him? Ellsworth might not have gotten any other ranchers involved. Can you find out if they still live at home?”

  “Of course. What are their names?”

  Cole told him everything he knew. Before long they had feedback on the license plates.

  “The blue Toyota belongs to Quentin. The Ford truck is owned by Ezra Ellsworth.”

  “He’s the twenty-five-year-old. Maybe he still lives at home. I wonder about the other son, Silas. And what about Quentin’s wife? I wonder if she knows about all those trips he took for gas. If she does drive, where was her car last night?”

  Holden eyed him directly. “Thanks to you I’ve got a lot of investigating to do now. For the time being I’ll keep all the information you gave me to myself. Maybe Quentin sold the Dodge truck to Silas. We need to track it down and find out where both sons live.”

  “Agreed. There’s something I’m going to tell you that no one else will know, not even Tamsin. This evening I’m going to switch trucks with Sam. I’m sure you know he’s the foreman on my ranch and drives a tan Silverado. Instead of going up in the mountains on my job in the morning, I plan to leave before the sun is up and hang out around the Ellsworth ranch out of sight for three days and nights. That way I can watch the comings and goings without anyone being suspicious.”

  Holden’s gaze narrowed. “Be careful, Cole. This guy plays for keeps.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll pretend I’m a wildlife photographer and stay in one of those rustic little cabins at the Big Horn Motel across the highway. If I see anyone leave, I’ll let you know so you can put a tail on them.”

  “That’s a great cover.”

  “We’ll see.”

  “I’ll make sure some patrol cars are right around there. Stay in close touch.”

  “I’ll give you regular updates.” He got to his feet. “Let’s hope my plan pays off.”

  * * *

  TAMSIN RUSHED HOME from the hospital to change into riding clothes. She put on her cowboy hat and hurried outside to Cole’s truck, this time with the horse trailer hooked up. Her drop-dead gorgeous cowboy had just gotten out of the cab.

  Being engaged to him had changed her whole life. Her feet hardly touched the ground as she ran into his waiting arms. “It feels like a lifetime since last night.”

  His response was to kiss her harder. Someone driving by let ou
t a loud wolf whistle. Cole only held her tighter. “Are you ready to go bring Flossie to her permanent home?”

  “I love the sound of that.” She covered his face with kisses before he let her go long enough to climb in the passenger side. After they drove away she turned to him. “I stopped at the office first thing this morning and showed everyone my ring. Heather’s going to plan a bridal shower for me. I never thought I’d see this day.”

  He reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers. “I had a meeting with Holden Granger earlier and told him we’re engaged. He told me I was lucky to be marrying such a smart, beautiful woman.”

  “Even if that’s a lie, it’s nice to hear.”

  “Not from Holden. He calls it as he sees it.”

  Cole drove them to Hilda’s and parked along the fencing, out of the way of both cars. “I’ll run inside to get our food. Do you want another taco and cola?”

  “No. I think I want a hamburger with mustard, pickles and a fresh limeade.”

  “Got it.”

  She wondered what made him break out in such a big smile as he walked away from the truck. While she waited for him, she put in the CD from the glove compartment and listened to “Wind River Lovin’.” Tamsin loved his music.

  When she saw him come back, she turned it off and they ate dinner before starting out again. “My aunt Grace in Afton phoned me at work to congratulate me. She along with Mom and Sally will be planning a shower for us, too. She remembers you from a long time ago when she and Uncle Richard were staying with my folks. She’d been a barrel racer in her late teens and said she could see why I’d never found another cowboy. You were impossible to match. That’s high praise coming from her.”

  “That’s because she loves you. I’ve been thinking about our wedding, sweetheart.”

  “So have I. Can we be married at the church where you held your father’s funeral? It’s where he would have wanted to see you take your vows.”

  “I was hoping you would say that. It would have been Mother’s choice, too.”

  “Of course.”

  “But where we have the reception is up to you.”

  “My parents have already asked if we’ll hold it at the house. I know it will mean the world to them. I let them know we won’t set the date until the arsonists are caught and you’re free from responsibility.”

  “Good. All I want is your happiness. This morning Louise told me she and Sam want to host a party for us at their house in Lander.”

  Tamsin studied his handsome profile. “They love you like a son. I can’t imagine anything more wonderful.”

  As they talked, the Ingram ranch came into view. “We’re here.”

  She nodded. “I let Roy know we were coming to pick up Flossie. Just drive down the road and park in front of the barn. I’ll bring her out.”

  Roy was there to greet them and opened the doors. Tamsin hurried inside and ran over to her mount. “How’s my Flossie?” She hugged her neck and tousled her forelock. The horse neighed.

  “She’s missed you,” Roy commented.

  “It hasn’t been the same without her. We can’t thank you enough for letting us keep our horses here. The new barn is going up and it won’t be long now before Dad comes for the other horses. We’re very grateful.”

  “You’d do the same for me.”

  “Anytime.”

  Tamsin gave her horse a treat, then put on the halter and led her out to the trailer. Cole had opened the door so she could lead her to one of the stalls with a full hay net and water. “We’re going to our new home, Flossie. It’s not far away. You’re going to love it. Cole has half a dozen horses who are going to become your friends.”

  Cole followed with her gear and saddle. After stowing everything, he came up behind her and put his arms around her waist. “I’ve been waiting for the day we’d be able to ride together whenever we wanted.”

  She turned to him. Once again he started kissing her and didn’t let her go until she was gasping for breath. Color flushed her cheeks as she walked back outside past Roy and got in the truck. She opened the window to wave at him before they drove off.

  It hit her hard that they were going home to Cole’s ranch. One day soon it would be their home.

  Within a half hour she’d walked her around the corral behind the ranch house to let Flossie get used to her new surroundings. Cole brought out her blanket and saddle. Tamsin took over and mounted her while he left her long enough to unhitch the trailer and enter the barn. In a minute he entered the corral on his gelding.

  She stared in surprise. “You didn’t buy another Arabian.”

  “Nope. Meet Samson. Strong like his namesake. He’s a Missouri Fox Trotter, the most sure-footed animal I’ve ever ridden in my life when I’m on the trail, let alone in the mountains.”

  Tamsin led her horse toward his. “Well, hello, Samson. I can tell you’re really something. Meet my Flossie.” Her roan bay nickered and moved closer. Samson nickered back, causing both her and Cole to laugh. “Don’t you have the most gorgeous chestnut coat!”

  “Almost the color of your hair,” Cole said in an aside that thrilled her. “They’re well matched. Let’s take them out by the pasture. Samson needs the exercise.”

  “So does Flossie.”

  They left the corral side by side. To be in the saddle next to him, knowing this life was going to be forever, caused a wave of excitement to sweep over her. She cast him a sideward glance and discovered he was looking at her. The expression in his eyes told her everything words couldn’t. Neither of them could wait until they were married.

  By tacit agreement they broke into a gallop that took them out where the cattle were grazing. Cole waved to the stockmen. She slowed her horse. “How many head of cattle do you have?”

  “Forty. It’s a manageable size for us with so little help.”

  “We can use my savings to build the herd.”

  His devastating smile took her breath away. “You want to know how much your future husband is worth?”

  “I already have a rough idea.” A ranch this size brought in somewhere between eighty and a hundred thousand dollars a year depending on the health of the cattle. “I could buy more land for us. Between my salary and the one you receive from the state, we could build our own little empire.”

  “That’s a compelling thought. I love the way you think. If a baby comes along soon, will you want to keep working?”

  “I’m sure I could do it part-time. I guess I never told you I was planning to leave the firm one day and branch out on my own.”

  “That sounds ambitious.”

  She frowned. “Too ambitious?”

  “If that’s how it sounded, you couldn’t be more wrong. I’m glad you love your work. Don’t you realize how proud I am of you? I’ll back you in anything you want to do.”

  “Sorry I got so sensitive.”

  “Why did you?”

  She let out a sigh. “I guess it’s because Lyle asked Sally not to work after they were married.”

  “What was she doing when he met her?”

  “She went to junior college before working as a secretary at Witcom-Dennison Oil. That’s how they met.”

  “Did she want to keep working?”

  “She never said, and I was afraid to ask because it was Lyle’s dream to provide for his family. The Witcoms have always had money.”

  “Well, that’s not my dream! I’m going to need all the help I can get.”

  “I’m so glad you said that!”

  “Good. That’s one problem we don’t ever have to deal with. Race you back to the house, sweetheart.”

  He took off like a tornado. She tried hard to catch up, but it was impossible. Samson was too fast. By the time she rode into the barn, he was there waiting for her and pulled her off Flossie into his arms.

  She came l
aughing and everything got smothered because he started kissing the daylights out of her. Night had descended by the time they’d put the horses to bed and walked out to his truck.

  “I don’t want to take you home, but I’m going to have to because I have to leave the ranch at first light. If I take you inside, it’s all over and every promise I made to myself and you will go up in smoke.”

  Once they both got in the truck, she turned to him. “Will you be called out tonight on a fire?” She could hear the anxious throb in her voice.

  “No. I always let the chief know when I’m available.”

  Thank goodness he wasn’t going to be doing anything dangerous tonight. “How long will you be gone this time?”

  “I’ll be back on Friday. I’m planning to take you to a fabulous dinner and dancing. We’ll get dressed up and officially celebrate our engagement.”

  “Ooh. In that case I’m going to shop for a beautiful dress and get my hair done.”

  “That’s fine, but leave it long for me.”

  “You don’t like it when I sweep it up?”

  “How can you ask me a question like that? I love you no matter how you wear it. But when you put it up, it only makes me want to pull it down and run my fingers through it.”

  She laughed all the way back to the apartment.

  “Don’t worry about Flossie. When you’re not there, Sam and Louise will take good care of her. Part of the day they’ll walk her out to the corral with the other horses.”

  At the door to her apartment Tamsin clung to him. “You’re too good to me.”

  He kissed her long and hard. “I only ask one thing of you.”

  “Anything.”

  “Stay safe and be here when I get back.”

  She fought tears. “My greatest wish is that you come home whole and alive for me to love.”

  “That’s a promise.”

  Tamsin was in agony as she watched him walk back down to his truck and drive away. Even though she knew he loved her and would always come back, she had the horrible premonition that she would always be in agony when he had to leave her. Such was her destiny for loving Cole Hawkins.