Page 28 of The Cowboy's Magic Touch

“I knew his bullshit would catch up to him,” John said angrily. “He’s been so out of control lately.”

“What do you mean, lately?” Doug retorted. “He’s always been out of control.”

“Well yeah, but he’s worse than ever. It’s Annie. She got under his skin, kind of like Patty did, but even worse.”

“Okay, Johnny boy, what do you suggest?”

“Pick up our stuff and get the hell outta Dodge.”

“Works for me. Let’s go!”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

After sending Gabe and John to scout out the best vantage point to watch Brody’s ranch, Geoff had turned off his phone, placed his Platinum Rolex wristwatch on the nightstand, and settled down for a much-needed nap. After the lumpy, uncomfortable mattress at the hotel the bed in his cabin was a slice of heaven, and he’d quickly drifted off into nothingness.

When he blinked open his eyes he found himself in darkness except for two tiny nightlights on either side of the room. After sleepily switching on the bedside lamp he picked up his watch to check the time. It was just past eight o’clock. Gabe and John had left in the middle of the afternoon. Wondering why he hadn’t heard from them, then remembering he’d turned off his phone and it was in the living room, he reached for the house phone and called their cabin. When he received no response he assumed they were in the restaurant.

“Fuck. I’m hungry too,” he grunted under his breath.

Climbing from the bed he headed into the bathroom for a quick shower. As he stood under the hot water he started to consider how he would punish Annie for causing him so much trouble. Locking her in her bedroom for a week with no phone or television was one option. She’d be furious for the first couple of days, then she’d start crying and saying how sorry she was—just as Patty had done.

The thought brought a dark frown to his forehead.

The stupid, ungrateful cow had no-one but herself to blame for her unfortunate accident.

Pushing away the ugly memory he stepped from the stall, toweled off, combed his hair, then padded into the bedroom and quickly dressed. As he walked through the lounge he picked up his phone, but deciding to check the messages later, he slipped it into his pocket and headed outside.

The night air was cold. Wishing he’d grabbed a jacket, he quickened his pace and hurried the short distance to The Log Cabin. It was the name of the restaurant, and while he thought it lacked imagination it was appropriate. As he stepped inside he found the atmosphere comforting. A large fire and amber lighting invited relaxation—until the hostess approached. Tilting her head to the side, she blatantly stared at him. Wherever he went in Nashville he was recognized, and it occurred to him she knew he was famous and was trying to place him.

“Good evening, sir,” she began, breaking into what he thought looked like a nervous smile. “Are you meeting friends or would you like a table for one?”

“There should be two men already here but I don’t see them,” he muttered, casting his gaze across the diners. “Huh, that’s odd. I’ll have an appetizer at the bar while I’m waiting.”

“Certainly, sir.”

Still thinking there was something strange about her demeanor, he ambled across the room, settled on a stool and asked the bartender for a glass of their finest cognac. The young man smiled and nodded, then suddenly frowned and hurried to the end of the bar.

Though Geoff thought his behavior was a bit strange, he was more concerned about Gabe and John. Turning to check the tables one more time, he noticed several patrons staring at him. He was used to notoriety, but something about their expressions made him uneasy.

“You’re cognac sir,” the bartender announced, snatching his attention.

Taking a drink and setting the glass back down, he savored the spicy liquor gliding down his throat, then letting out a grateful sigh, he lifted his cell phone from his pocket. As he turned it on he immediately noticed an alert. With so many texts waiting he was about to ignore it, but he suddenly saw his photograph. With his pulse ticking up, he read the short announcement.

POLICE ALERT: Country singing sensation Annie Baker has been found. Authorities are now seeking the public’s help locating her manager, Geoffrey Palmer. He was last seen in the small town of Smoky Hill between Lubbock and Fort Worth, Texas. Image attached. If you see this man please contact your local authorities.

“What the fuck…?” he muttered as a cold chill pricked his skin.

Telling himself to stay calm and quickly downing the last of his drink, he pulled out his wallet, dropped a twenty-dollar bill on the counter, then slipped off the bar stool and strode towards the exit. As he passed the hostess he heard her say something, but ignoring her, he stepped outside and hurried back to his cabin.

He could guess what Annie had said to the police.

She would have painted a dark picture of an obsessive man who controlled her every move. But at their first meeting he’d made it clear if she wanted him to make her a star, she would have to do exactly what he said. As far as he was concerned he’d done nothing illegal—at least not with Annie—but the alert suggested otherwise.

Fighting panic and with his head spinning, he hastily threw his belongings into his bag, ran to his car, tossed it in the back seat, and sped for the exit.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” he yelled, banging his fist on the steering wheel as he raced through the campground, but once on the road he took a few deep breaths and managed to to calm himself down. Seeing a sign with an arrow and the words, LAKE VIEW POINT, he reduced his speed, turned onto a dirt track, followed it a short distance, and stopped.

The full, glowing moon low in the sky was reflected on the calm water of a small, pristine lake, and tall trees surrounding it stood like imposing guardians. Staring out at the magnificent view settled his nerves, and he understood why Gabe and John had disappeared. The police alert had spooked them.

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