Page 6 of The Cowboy's Magic Touch

“I don’t, not for a minute. You know where the guest room is. I’ll get your bag and bring it in.”

As he rose from the table and moved to the door, he glanced over his shoulder. She’d poured herself another cup of coffee and picked up a second muffin before heading towards the hall. She was obviously hungry and exhausted, but he’d have to wait to hear the gory details. As Bella trotted after her, he stepped into the garage and up to the car, spying the small suitcase on the back seat. He was about to lift it out when his phone rang. It was his mother, and he quickly accepted the call.

“Hey, mom, what’s up?”

“That girl, the one Edith thinks is Annie, she’s gone.”

“Mom, I don’t think—”

“Don’t you think it’s odd? She checked in, used cash to pay for two nights in advance, then said she wouldn’t back and didn’t stop to pick what they owed her.”

“Mom, there’s no mystery. Whoever she is, she must have been in a hurry.”

“What if Edith was right? Maybe it was Annie wearing a disguise and she had to take off in a hurry.”

“I think Edith is letting her imagination run away with her, which you very well know is not unusual.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.”

“I’m sure I am.”

“Brody I’m not gossiping. It occurred to me she might be on her way to see you and I thought you should know.”

“I see. How long ago did all this happen?”

“Goodness, perhaps fifteen, twenty minutes ago. I’m not sure. Why?”

“Because I’ve had no visitors, and if it was her and she’s here to see me, she’s taking a long time to get to my place.”

“Oh, I suppose you’re right. Yes, it was a silly notion. I hear your father coming in. I have to run. Bye, dear.”

“Bye, mom.”

As he ended the call and picked up the suitcase he felt a ripple of guilt. He didn’t like lying to anyone, let alone his mother, but he’d had no choice. Whatever was going on with Annie was serious, and he wasn’t about to put her at risk.

“Whatever it is, you’d better tell me soon,” he muttered, then grabbed her wig and hat off the table started down the hall to the guest room.

CHAPTER FOUR

Gently knocking on the door and receiving no reply, Brody gently cracked it open and peered inside. Bella was lying on the rug by the bed, and Annie was under the covers apparently already asleep. As he placed the suitcase, wig inside the room against the wall, Bella rose to her feet and walked up to him.

“You want to come with me, girl?” he whispered.

The dog moved past him into the hall, then waited while he quietly closed the door. As he returned to the kitchen she trotted along beside him, but went straight through to the back porch.

“You know me too well,” he said with a chuckle, “but I’d better clear up first.”

After washing the coffee cups and putting away the muffins, he headed out to the pasture to fetch Luna, his grey mare, but hearing a vehicle coming up his driveway he paused his step. Turning around he was surprised to see the sheriff coming to a stop by the house. As the burly man climbed out Brody walked up to greet him.

“Hi, sheriff. What brings you here?”

“Mind if we go inside?”

“Sure thing,” Brody replied, glad he’d taken the time to clean up before leaving. “You want some coffee? I just left and it should still be hot.”

“Sounds good. How are you?”

“Busy as ever. I’m gettin’ ready for a clinic this weekend.”

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