Page 38 of The Cowboy's Magic Touch

“It sounds as if Gabe Wilson has turned on Geoff,” Annie exclaimed.

“Sure does,” the sheriff agreed. “He said Geoff Palmer was staying in the larger of the cabins. The campground called us and one of my deputies went out there, but apparently he just missed him.”

“So, as things stand now,” Brody began. “Geoff’s two guys have deserted Geoff Palmer. He’s still here but with nowhere to stay.”

“Exactly. So I’m guessin’ it was him who came over here durin’ the storm and somehow managed to get past Luke, the deputy on duty.”

“That’s because he helped me bring the horses into the barn when the storm hit,” Brody replied. “But he couldn’t have been gone more than ten minutes, if that.”

“Enough time to get in without bein’ seen,” the sheriff remarked.

“What should we do?” Annie piped up.

“Change the locks right away, and if you need to have a hide a key make it somewhere less obvious. Bella will warn you if anyone approaches the house, but only if she’s here. I’d like to have one of my deputies parked where my car is now instead of on the road. I know it would be an inconvenience, but—”

“Honestly, that would make me feel so much safer,” Annie said earnestly. “Would you mind, Brody?”

“Not at all, and thanks, sheriff.”

“You’re welcome, and both of you, try not to worry. We’re bound to catch up with him sooner rather than later.”

“I just don’t understand why a man as rich and powerful as Geoffrey Palmer would put himself at so much risk”

“Ego, he thinks he’s above the law, and if he gets into trouble his high-powered legal team will step in and handle things. And he’s right. So far his crimes are petty. Let’s hope he keeps it that way.”

“We really only have to worry about tonight,” Brody remarked. “Tomorrow my clinic starts and there will be people here all through the weekend.”

“Good to know. Okay. I’ll have one of my men come over and take prints off that key and frog. Now there’s a sentence I never thought I’d say,” the sheriff added with a chuckle. “And I’ll have the deputy sittin’ on the road drive in here and park where my car is now.”

“Sheriff, thank you so much for all your help,” Annie said gratefully. “This has been such an ordeal. Getting away from that awful man was extremely difficult and very scary. I’ll tell you about it one day, but just the thought of being around him again…I can’t begin to tell you…”

“Annie, you have made this whole town real proud, but even if you hadn’t we’d still watch out for you. You know folks around here take care of their own.”

“Amen to that,” Brody declared. “I almost hope Geoff does show his face around here again so I can rearrange it for him. And, Sheriff, before you say it, I swear I won’t go lookin’ for trouble.”

“Best you don’t. I’ll stay in touch,” the sheriff said, walking out the door. “I’m sure you’ll let me know if anything happens.”

“Brody, do you think Geoff will come back here?” Annie asked softly.

“Even if he does, there’s no way he’d stick around with a deputy parked so close to the house. But we’re late gettin’ to the horses, and I need to check out those paddocks.”

“We?”

“Yeah, darlin’. We. You and me. That’s how it should be. And there’s a new lyric for you.”

* * *

Settling into his car and rolling down Brody’s driveway, a dark frown crossed the sheriff’s forehead. After years in law enforcement he’d come to understand certain personality types, and he sensed Geoffrey Palmer was a man who wouldn’t give up until he achieved his goal. He wanted Annie and he wasn’t leaving Smoky Hill without her. But just how far would he go to get her?

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Geoff had managed to leave the campgrounds without being seen, but now he wasn’t sure of his next move. He couldn’t return to the cabin or the crappy hotel and he had no intention of sleeping in his car. But he wouldn’t leave Smoky Hill without Annie. Needing to think, he drove to the dirt road that led to Lake View Point, and pulling to a stop, he stared at the magnificent view. The sun was shining, the lake looked like glass, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It seemed anything was possible. He needed to brainstorm with someone, and there was no-one better at coming up with ideas than Barry.

“Barry Stein,” his friend declared, accepting the call.

“It’s me, Geoff.”

“What a relief. I’ve been so worried. Update me. What’s happening? And don’t leave anything out.”

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