Page 19 of The Cowboy's Magic Touch

“How much do you think we should tell him?”

“A short version of the truth. You had to get away because your manager is a manipulative bastard and you’re scared of him.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

“We’re in here!” Brody called as Hank entered through the kitchen door and called out his name.

“We? Who’s we?’ Hank exclaimed as he sauntered into the living room. “Annie? What the hell? Get over here and give your old friend a hug. What are you doin’ here? The sheriff came by earlier sayin’ you’d disappeared and askin’ if I’d seen or heard from you. What’s goin’ on?”

“It’s wonderful to see you,” she replied, hugging him tightly. “Are you still riding horses naked?”

“Don’t you start,” he replied with a chuckle. “I ride naked horses.”

“But it’s so much more fun saying it the other way.”

“Enough about that. What’s goin’ on?”

“I ran away from a nightmare,” she replied. “My manager turned out to be a monster and I was afraid to breathe. But he has power and influence so I’m hiding until I can figure out what to do.”

“Dammit. Did he hurt you?”

“He was starting to. The last night I was home he shoved me to the floor. I was lucky I wasn’t hurt, and I knew it was the start of another hideous chapter with him. I had to get out. And before you ask, calling the police wasn’t an option. He’s a legend in Nashville.”

“I’ll kill the bastard,” Hank growled. “Where can I find him?”

“Take a number,” Brody interjected. “But obviously that’s not an option, at least, not for the moment, and you can’t tell anyone about this. Her manager’s name is Geoff Palmer, and he’s already been here lookin’ for her. He drove through the gates and rolled up in a big limo with four heavies followin’ in a black sedan. It was like something out of a movie.”

“No shit. How did you get here, Annie?”

“I drove.”

“You drove here? How long did that take?”

“Nine, maybe ten hours. It was forever.”

“Damn, girl, how did stay awake?”

“Fear.”

“Brody, let me teach that sonofabitch a lesson,” Hank said with a heavy frown.

“I want him rottin’ away behind bars, not you, and like I said, no-one can know she’s here. You can’t do or say anything.”

“I know you’re right, but I’m just so hoppin’ mad. What can I do? Anything, just name it.”

“Annie’s car is in my garage and—”

“I’ll drive it to my place right now and put it my storage shed.”

“Thanks, Hank,” Annie said gratefully. “It has Tennessee plates so it’s a dead giveaway.”

“When I get back I’ll switch them with the ones on my old truck. Helen’s not around right now so it won’t be a problem.”

“Helen? Is she your new girlfriend,” Annie asked with a smile.

“She sure is. Her folks bought the old Thompson place.”

“When this nightmare is over we should all get together for a barbecue. I have to make sure she deserves an awesome guy like you.”

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