by BJ Daniels
Jared stuffed his hat back on his head, covering his hair. “And we’re all getting old, right, Del?”
She’d ruffled his feathers, as usual. “I just think there might be something to Digger’s story.” She told Jared about the tracks and Cooper’s theory that Digger had seen something because of the balking mule prints on the mountainside above the lake.
“Digger and that damned stubborn mule have been all over that country. I can’t see that some balking mule prints in the dirt near Johnson Gulch Lake prove anything.” He held up his hand before she could protest. “And even if the craz—senile old coot had seen something, no one in this county would believe him. He thinks the mother lode is still out there and that he’s going to find it. So why try to kill him? What would be the point?”
Delaney grudgingly had to admit Jared had something there. Digger was generally thought of as crazy and this latest episode certainly wasn’t helping his credibility. “What if it was someone who didn’t know Digger and considered him a threat? A stranger to these parts of the country?”
Jared laughed. “Like space aliens?” He turned to look back at her pickup, parked in front of the house. “Which reminds me. What happened to your side window?”
She followed his gaze to her truck. The window was a web of broken glass with a hole almost at dead center. “While I was up at Johnson Gulch Lake, looking into Digger’s so-called hallucinations, someone took a potshot at me.”
Jared swore, jerked his hat from his head and slammed it against his leg. “Dammit, Del, if someone’s taking shots at you, don’t you think you ought to at least let the sheriff know?” He wagged his head at her. “I’m worried about you. This can’t go on.” His gaze softened. “Have you ever thought about getting out of ranching? Maybe go to some island and sip fancy drinks in the shade beside the ocean?”
She laughed. “No, Jared, I never have.”
“Maybe you should.” His grave expression made her uncomfortable. He was serious.
“Are you warning me to sell before something worse happens?”
He chewed at his lip and squinted at the horizon for a moment. “There’s only so much I can do to protect you, Del. I just don’t want to see you get hurt. Or worse yet, killed.”
“Jared, you almost sound like you know something I don’t,” she said, shaking from the worried look in his eyes.
“Dammit, Del, how do you expect me to take the news that now you’ve got someone shooting at you?”
“I expect you to investigate,” she snapped. “Because I’m not selling, Jared. And I won’t be run out. They’ll have to kill me to get the ranch. And then as sheriff, you’ll have to arrest them. You make this sound like it’s my fault.”
He stomped over to his pickup and came back with a notebook and pen. “Where did this shooting occur?”
She described it for him, stopping short of telling him about the barred-shoe tracks. If he investigated the incident, he’d find the tracks himself. And if Cooper was right and the horse belonged to Jared…
She watched the sheriff scribble down the information she gave him. He’d left little doubt in her mind that he knew a lot more than he was telling her. Her uneasiness about him jumped from misgivings to downright suspicion. Could Cooper be right about Jared?
When Jared finished, he stuffed the notebook into his pocket and shoved his hat back on his head. He seemed calmer than he had earlier, more in control again. But it was a cold kind of control that made her all the more concerned. “You know, Del, I was thinking that you and I should have dinner and talk about some things—” He stopped as Cooper came out of the barn.
The two men scowled at each other and she wondered how much of the conversation Cooper had overheard, or if it was just his general dislike for Jared coming out.
“’Afternoon, Sheriff,” Cooper said. He turned to Delaney and tipped his hat. “Boss.”
Just seeing him brought back the anger, embarrassment and hurt she’d been fighting all day. “Find any more fence down on your ride?” she asked. She’d just about convinced herself her behavior last night was nothing more than a moment of weakness. But as she met Cooper’s gaze she knew that wasn’t true. All those feelings she’d blamed last night on—everything from the scent of his campfire to the lonesome coyote’s call—were just as strong in broad daylight. Damn this man for making her feel this way.
“Didn’t find any problems,” he said. “Any trouble here?”
Delaney knew he meant Jared, and she resented his protective tone. “No, Jared was just about to ask me out for dinner. And I was just about to accept.” Cooper’s shocked expression gave her some satisfaction. “How about tonight? Six sound all right to you?”
Jared broke into a smile. He was even more surprised than Cooper, she thought. “Six sounds just fine with me, Del.” He gave Cooper a smug look, tipped his hat to Delaney and headed for his pickup.
“I don’t think that was a good idea,” Cooper said as the sheriff drove away.
“It’s a good thing it’s none of your business then, isn’t it?” Delaney didn’t think it was a good idea, either. As a matter of fact, it probably ranked as one of the stupidest things she’d ever done. But she wasn’t about to admit that to Cooper. When she’d sent him out at daybreak to ride fence, he’d acted as if nothing had happened the night before, which was smart of him. She hoped he had the good sense not to bring it up now.
“You’re right, boss. It’s none of my business.”
She told herself that wasn’t hurt she saw in his eyes, nor was that guilt that pierced her heart with doubts. The man had saved her life. And he seemed to be trying to help her. But why? What did he want? It certainly wasn’t her. He’d made that clear last night. And yet her heart argued that she’d witnessed her own desires reflected in his eyes. She’d felt it in his kisses. He’d wanted her as badly as she wanted him. So what had stopped him last night?
She cussed herself for making a date with Jared just to get back at Cooper. But that wasn’t the only reason she’d done it, she assured herself. Jared had said they needed to talk. Maybe he’d tell her what he knew, because nothing could convince her that Jared Kincaid was telling her everything. Men! Maybe he thought he was protecting her by not telling her everything. Or, she realized with worry, maybe he was behind her problems and only protecting himself.
Either way, she intended to find out tonight.
“Should I go help Buck with the rest of the haying?” Cooper asked. “Or bring in some more of the two-year-olds?”
He was all business now, generating coolness like a hint of fall. She fought the urge to reach out to him, already missing the closeness they’d shared over the past few days. “Why don’t you bring in the colts. Buck can finish the haying.” He started to walk away. “McLeod.” He turned, his gaze lifting to hers.
Her heartbeat did a little double time. She fought the urge to drown herself in the blue of his eyes. She dragged her gaze away, remembering what he’d said the night before. “You don’t know what kind of man I’ve been. I’ve done things….” What kind of things? she wondered now. “Nothing. Just be careful.”
He nodded. “You, too.” He turned and walked away.
COOPER WAITED until Jared and Delaney had left on their date before he rode down into the ranch yard. He cussed, kicked and stomped around for a while, until he finally gave up and went down to the creek behind the house to try to drown his bad mood. The bath did little to soothe his frustration or his worry. He couldn’t get his mind off Delaney. Why would she accept a date with Jared? Especially after the man had pretty much told her to sell out or else.
The mind of a woman! Cooper wasn’t sure he’d ever understand this one. He figured she’d done it out of orneriness, something he was more than familiar with. But it had been a fool thing to do, considering who she was with tonight. He swore. Angry with himself, as well. He’d felt like a heel last night. He’d never before turned down a woman he’d wanted. And he’d regretted it all day. Now
Delaney had gone and done something reckless. Jared Kincaid wasn’t a man to mess with. If he was behind her bad luck
Cooper had considered following them in his pickup, but tailing his boss and the county sheriff seemed downright foolish. And if Delaney got wind of it, she’d can his butt for sure. No, anything he did could only make things worse. Delaney had called this tune; now she was going to have to dance to the music. He just hoped the sheriff wasn’t as deep in her troubles as Cooper suspected he was.
Cooper waded out of the creek, dried off and dressed in the pines that sheltered his bathing hole. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do tonight, but he’d be damned if he was going to sit around the campfire, eating beans and being reminded of how foolish he’d been the previous night!
As he was saddling up Crazy Jack, Buck drove up. “She’s not home,” Cooper called as Buck started for the house.
“Where is she?” the ranch manager asked, disappointed he’d missed her. He walked over to Cooper, frowning.
“Out to dinner with Jared Kincaid,” Cooper told him, trying hard not to sound angry. Or worried.
“Jared?” Buck raised an eyebrow. “Kinda late for a ride, isn’t it?”
“Thought I’d go over to the York Bar for a beer. It’s a lot shorter by horseback than pickup.” It was just over the hill, a few minutes’ ride. “Wanna come along?”
Buck shook his head. “I’m picking up Angel.” He glanced toward the house again and Cooper had the distinct impression that Buck wanted to talk to Delaney about something important. “You think Delaney will be late?”
Cooper swore to himself. He certainly hoped not. “She didn’t say. You know, I meant to ask the other night. Angel didn’t mention where she was from.”
“California originally,” Buck said. “But she’s been living in Great Falls. Why?”
Great Falls. The home of Rattlesnake Range. Cooper shrugged. “Nothing, just curious.”
Buck gave him an I’m-not-sure-I-like-you look. Cooper didn’t feel the least bit intimidated. In fact, he kind of wished Buck would throw the first punch. A knockdown, drag-out fight might make him feel a little better.
Buck must have recognized the challenge in Cooper’s expression, because he turned and headed for his pickup. “Have a nice ride,” he said, making sure it sounded just the opposite.
Cooper swung up into the saddle, disappointed. Tonight he thought he could whip Buck. He felt ornerier than hell. “Have a nice time with Angel,” he called to Buck, trying to match Buck’s insincerity.
The ranch manager peeled out in a cloud of dust. Cooper laughed as he rode off into the night.
DELANEY REALIZED her mistake immediately. Jared had insisted they drive into Helena for dinner instead of grabbing a burger at the York Bar. He’d complained until she changed out of Levi’s and boots into a dress and pumps. Then he wanted to take her to some quiet, intimate little place in Last Chance Gulch. She couldn’t stand the thought of a romantic dinner for two. She’d asked him to take her to her favorite Mexican restaurant, Rose’s Cantina, saying she hadn’t been there in years.
“Jared, I can’t help thinking about what you said earlier,” she began when they reached the restaurant. “I got the impression you know who might be behind the trouble at my ranch.”
He shot her a look. “Del, I told you, I don’t know.”
She wasn’t buying it and wondered why he wasn’t being straight with her. “Jared, I’m at my wit’s end,” she said, trying a damsel-in-distress tack. “I need your help. As a friend. If you have any idea—”
“You’re too trusting, Del,” he said, shaking his head. “Things could be going on right under your nose. People you trust could be hurting you and you wouldn’t even notice. You need a man around to look after you.”
Oh, no, not this again. She took a breath. He was telling her something was going on, damn him. Something she was too trusting to see. “What are you saying?”
He smiled sadly. “That I wish you didn’t have to be so darned independent. That if you opened up to a man—” He looked at his menu with a heavy sigh. “I’m starved. Let’s not talk sheriff business tonight, Del. This is the first time we’ve gone out. Let’s just enjoy it.”
Delaney figured she’d just have dinner and then call it an early night. She didn’t think things could get worse. She was wrong.
“Delaney, you have the prettiest eyes I think I’ve ever seen,” Jared said after his second margarita. He pressed his knee against hers under the table.
She moved her leg, bit her tongue, determined not to make a scene in the restaurant. This had been really stupid. She’d thought she might get some information out of Jared—
He leaned toward her. “And your lips—”
“Excuse me, Jared, would you pass me the salsa?”
“DAMMIT, THOM.” Cooper lowered his voice and turned to look out of the ancient phone booth at the back of the York Bar. The jukebox cranked out a twangy western tune and no one in the place seemed interested in his conversation, but he knew better than to take a chance. He spoke more softly into the phone, more than a little worried and suspicious of Rattlesnake Range. “You said you’d try to find out who the agency had hired.”
“I have tried, Coop.” Jamison let out a weary sigh. “But you know how the board operates. They don’t tell me a damned thing. It’s supposed to be for my own protection. And yours.”
And the board’s protection, Cooper thought. “Well, their agent is taking potshots at her now.”
“I’m telling you, Coop, the board has assured me it’s not our agent on the Rockin’ L job who’s doing those things. There has been no attempt on Delaney Lawson’s life. None.”
“They’re lying.” Cooper pulled off his hat and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “How do you explain what’s going on?”
“I can’t. Unless someone else is involved. Someone other than Rattlesnake Range.”
Ty, Cooper thought as he shoved his hat back. Or Jared. Or Buck. Or someone he didn’t even know. Or—“Maybe they aren’t after Delaney. Maybe it’s me they want.”
“What?”
Cooper laughed. “Surely you know working for the agency is a little risky.”
“I’m aware of that.” Jamison didn’t sound happy about the fact. “There’s a risk on both ends.”
Cooper smiled to himself ruefully. He remembered the first time he’d met Thom. Cooper had been riding the rodeo circuit, at odds with his family and down on his luck, when Thom Jamison had come into his life with a proposition. All Cooper had had then were his saddle, his looks and the family charm. And he’d already been in trouble with the law. But Jamison had given him the job anyway. At the time, he thought Thom was doing him a favor. Now he realized his trouble with the law had been a glowing recommendation to Rattlesnake Range.
Becoming a con man for the agency had been relatively easy. He used that charm, his looks and a little friendly persuasion to talk people into selling. When necessary he was forced to use a different sort of persuasion, a little less legal one. But nothing serious or felonious. He’d convinced himself he was just making a living. If he didn’t do it, someone else would. He hadn’t asked any questions, hadn’t wanted to know what happened to the ranches after he’d acquired them. Until recently. And he realized belatedly that the questions he’d been asking Thom weren’t the kind Rattlesnake Range would appreciate.
“It could be someone from the agency who thinks it’s time for me to retire,” Cooper said, testing the waters. “Permanently.”
“You aren’t serious?” Thom was shocked. “You make the board sound like underworld thugs. They’re just businessmen. I can assure you when the day comes that you want to quit, you can.”
“Oh, yeah? What if I quit right now? What would the board do?”
“Nothing.” He didn’t sound very convincing, Cooper thought. And he wondered if Thom Jamison was also having some second thoughts about his employers.
Cooper turned in the phone
booth to look at the halfempty bar. Tread softly, he warned himself. They might have already gotten to Thom. And if they think you’re having second thoughts or bouts of conscience, who knows what they’ll do.
“Hell, Thom, what would I do if I quit? You know me. I’d be bored to death.” It struck him that he knew an awful lot about the agency’s methods and might make a pretty good witness in court. The businessmen at Rattlesnake Range had to know that. “I’m just a little paranoid. Everything about this job has gone sour.”
“I can’t blame you. It seems this one has a lot of complications.”
Jamison sounded calm, convincing. Cooper wondered again if the agency had gotten to him. If that was true, then Cooper had already told Jamison too much.
“It’s got to be someone who wants the Rockin’ L other than the agency,” Jamison continued.
He was so reasonable, so assured. Cooper almost felt himself being drawn back into the web. “I’m sure you’re right,” he said, relenting. “I’m just a little jumpy, that’s all. Have you heard anything about what the agency wants with the ranch?”
“No, Coop. Nothing.” The background silence changed just a little and Cooper realized Jamison had put his hand over the phone. “You know, Coop, maybe you should get out of there,” Jamison said.
His voice was different and Cooper suspected one of the board members had joined Thom in his office. “Everything is under control now on that job.”
Right.
“You wanted a vacation before this assignment. Why don’t you take it now? We won’t be needing your help there anymore.”
Cooper smiled to himself. Was the board worried about him getting a conscience and maybe doing something like turning state’s evidence? Or did they just want him out now that things were really going to get crazy? “Maybe you’re right. A vacation sounds tempting.”
“Good,” Jamison said, clearly relieved. “Call me when you’re ready to work again.”
Count on it, Cooper thought. He knew it was just a matter of time before the board found out he hadn’t left on vacation. He wondered what the agency would do, and decided he’d find out just what businessmen did in a case like that.