Page 45 of The Cowboy's Magic Touch

Brody and Annie were almost at the house with Bella running along beside them. The barn would be empty. The only issue was the deputy’s car. It was parked facing directly towards the forest. As Geoff glanced back at Annie, he noticed she’d moved inside the house while Brody had stopped to talk to the deputy. A couple of minutes later, to Geoff’s surprise and joy, the officer climbed from his cruiser and followed Brody inside.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Standing at the edge of the forest and studying the open space in front of him, Geoff realized he’d be visible until he reached the back of the barn. Not only would it take a few minutes to get there, as far as he could tell the only entrance was in the front. But remembering the kitchen was at the side of the house, and figuring Brody, Annie and the deputy would probably be sitting around the table, he decided to take the chance.

He bolted forward, covering the distance faster than he expected, but as he walked behind the barn to catch his breath, he discovered a low, half-open window. Inside was a small office offering a couch, and a desk with two folding chairs in front of it. Opening it all the way and climbing in, he felt his luck was changing, and moved quickly to the door. Peering into the barn he wasn’t surprised to find the stalls empty and no-one around, but he’d never even been inside a barn and he wasn’t sure where to start.

Leaving the office he walked quickly down the aisle and opened the first door. It was a laundry room. Though stripping off and washing his clothes seemed out of the question, he stood for a minute considering the notion, but shaking his head, he continued on.

The next door boasted a brass sign saying, Tack Room. Stepping inside, he found brushes and other grooming items on shelves, towels neatly stacked, and a double row of saddles. There was also a large trunk and a cupboard. Lifting the lid of the trunk he found more implements and equipment, but when he opened the cupboard he broke into a wide smile. A surprising number of track suits and jackets were hanging from a rod. There were also narrow shelves with T-shirts, both long and short-sleeved, and on the floor were several pairs of boots and sneakers.

“What the hell?” he muttered. “Why does he have so many clothes here? Fuck it, who cares.”

Hastily stripping off to his underwear, he pulled on a pair of fleecy black sweat pants, a short-sleeved T-shirt, and found a long-sleeved black pullover. Picking up a pair of sneakers, he checked the sole. They were size eleven and he was a size ten, but he was desperate to change out of his muddy loafers. Rummaging around, he finally found a pair of thick socks. After hastily pulling them on, he slid his feet into the sneakers and let out a sigh of relief. They were perfectly comfortable. Not sure what to do with his belongings, he rolled them up and carried them back to the open window.

It had been a stroke of great luck, almost too good to be true, but he was used to fortune smiling on him. He didn’t know why, but throughout his life things fell into place more often than not. Climbing back out through the window he beat a hasty retreat into the trees to wait a little while longer. With any luck Annie would be back.

* * *

While Brody and Annie had been drinking coffee and chatting to Frank, the deputy, Bella had been restless. Brody had given her a marrow bone, but rather than take it to her large, furry bed and devour it as she usually did, she paced around the kitchen carrying it in her mouth, asked to go out, then wanted back in.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with her today,” Brody remarked as Frank stood up to return to his car. “She’s been actin’ funny for a while now, but today she seems even more on edge.”

“Dogs know stuff,” Frank declared. “That’s what my dad always says.”

“He’s right. I just wish I knew what has her so wired.”

“Brody, she kept barking when we were by those rocks. I know you said it was just an animal or something, but I keep thinking we should go back there.”

“I’ll check it out,” Frank offered. “Until this man is caught we can’t be too careful. Is it okay to drive up to the edge of the forest? I don’t want to scare the horses in the paddocks.”

“They won’t care, but maybe I should come with you,” Brody said thoughtfully.

“If you’re going, I am too!” Annie exclaimed, jumping to her feet.

“Thanks, both of you, but I’m pretty sure I can mange,” Frank replied with a grin. “I’ll take a good look around and see if there’s anything there that shouldn’t be.”

“Please can I join you?” Annie pressed. “And Bella too. She’s so smart.”

“It’s hard to say no to Annie Baker,” he replied, shaking his head. “My girlfriend is a huge fan. She can’t believe you’re here.”

“What’s her name?”

“Susie.”

“I’ll make you a deal. Take me with you and I’ll sign a CD for her, and when this is over I’ll make sure she gets some other things as well.”

“Uh, that’s called bribery.”

“I won’t tell if you don’t, and I’m sure Brody knows how to keep a secret, right Brody?”

“Don’t get me involved in your shenanigans!”

“Please, Frank?” Annie pressed.

“Okay, you’ve twisted my arm.”

“I need to printout some paperwork for the clinic tomorrow or I’d join you, but since you’re goin’ up in the car could you drop me at the barn?” Brody asked, rising to his feet.

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