Page 14 of The Cowboy's Magic Touch

Reaching the double doors just moments after the men entered, Brody saw them moving from stall to stall.

“You have no right to be here,” he shouted as one of them opened the door to the shavings room. Holding his breath, he raised his rifle, ready to shoot if he had to.

“Nothing,” the man exclaimed, stepping back out.

“Of course there’s nothin’. Now get the hell out of here,” Brody yelled, trying to hide his relief.

“Hey, there are four of us, and we have these,” the man yelled back, opening his jacket exposing his shoulder holster. “Do you really want to have a—”

But the sound of a siren cut him off.

“Yeah, I called the sheriff,” Brody declared. “You can explain yourself to him. Now get outta my barn.”

As they filed out he could see the frustration in their faces, and though he wanted to follow he needed to find Annie. Closing the doors, he ran to the shavings room and stared inside.

“Annie? It’s me. They’re gone. Where are you?”

“Under here,” she whispered, moving out from beneath the horse blanket.

“Thank God. It’s okay, stay put. The sheriff has arrived. I’ll be back as soon as everyone leaves.”

CHAPTER NINE

Leaving the barn, Brody saw the sheriff deep in conversation with the man calling himself Geoff Palmer, who was gesticulating and clearly agitated.

“Brody, do you mind if I have a quick look through your house to satisfy this gentleman?” the sheriff asked as Brody approached.

“He’s no gentleman, but knock yourself out.”

“Mr. Palmer, stay put. If she’s not in there you’ll have to leave, and you’re not to bother Brody King or come on his property again. Do I make myself clear?”

“Whatever you say, sheriff. I’m just worried about Annie, and I know the two of them have been in contact.”

“That doesn’t mean a damn thing,” Brody exclaimed as Bella began barking again.

“Easy, Bella. If I want you to bite off a chunk of his leg I’ll let you know.”

“Not funny, Brody,” the sheriff remarked with a frown.

“I wasn’t jokin’. Will you please just go look? I’m busy and I want these puffed up morons outta here.”

“Sure. I’ll be right back.”

As the sheriff walked away, Brody glared at the stranger. Everything about him reeked of an insecure, power-hungry, egomaniac. His turquoise and diamond bolo tie and matching cufflinks screamed, notice me. I have money, while his slicked back, dark hair, made him appear sinister. It struck Brody the man looked like a low-life, street pimp.

“The house is empty,” the sheriff announced as he walked up and stood next to Brody. “I’m sure, just like Mr. King and me, you’re a busy man. Don’t let me keep you.”

“You’re sure? Did you check in all the closets—not that a house like this would have many,” the angry stranger added with a scowl.

“Mr. Palmer, I’m askin’ you for the last time, move along, and don’t think about comin’ back. I’ve know Brody here most of his life. He’s a stand up guy. You, I just met, and you’re bein’ difficult. It’s not a good first impression.”

“Okay, okay, we’re leaving. But, Brody, if she gets in touch you’re obligated to let me know. Here’s my card,” he declared, walking forward to hand it to him, but the sheriff moved between them and took it from his hand.

“Goodbye, Mr. Palmer.”

“Bye, sheriff. Thanks for your help.”

Though Brody thought Geoffrey’s parting comment sounded sarcastic, the sheriff didn’t react, but stood his ground as the men returned to their cars and drove off.

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