Page 58 of Luke

With a heavy hand, Hancock set the receiver down in the cradle, giving Luke a scowl that only made him bite back a grin.

Hancock muttered under his breath before turning his attention fully toward Luke. “What can I do for you?” His tone was curt and guarded.

Luke introduced himself and took a seat, studying Hancock with an intense gaze. “You can tell me where the horses are.”

Hancock reclined in his chair, crossing his arms over his round belly. “What horses would that be?”

“Your father’s fifteen Shires that you stole to pay off your gambling debts,” Luke replied, confident in his accusation. He could see the guilt flash across Hancock’s face, but it was quickly replaced by a poker-faced expression.

“Bullshit,” Hancock spat. “I don’t know anything about it.”

Luke stood abruptly, walking toward the window to stare out at the view. “I don’t believe you,” he said calmly, turning around to face Hancock once again. “You’re so far in debt due to gambling that you’ll never get out.”

Hancock scoffed and waved a dismissive hand. “Once I inherit the ranch, I’m going to sell that place.”

Luke couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of that statement. “You keep telling yourself that.”

“What the hell does that even mean?” Hancock demanded.

Shaking his head, Luke resumed his seat and leaned forward. “It will go easier for you if you cooperate with me.”

“I told you; I don’t know anything. Now get the hell out of my office!” Hancock shouted, his face turning a deep shade of red.

“Your face gets really red when you’re angry. Anyone ever tell you that?” Luke taunted.

“Fuck you,” Hancock snapped back.

Luke straightened up and met Hancock’s gaze head-on. “You’d better hope those horses are still in good health. Iwilltake you down for this.”

“You have nothing on me.” Hancock sneered.

“I wouldn’t say that if I were you,” Luke replied, his tone serious. “I’ve been an agent for twenty years. I know when someone’s lying.” With that, Luke turned and walked out of the office, giving a subtle nod to the receptionist as he passed by and made his way to his truck.

As he drove away, Luke knew without a doubt that Frederick Hancock, Jr. was involved with the stolen horses. Now he just had to gather enough evidence to prove it.

Luke drove back to Clifton the following day. He needed to investigate Hancock’s friends, ex-wife, and associates. Luke’s gut rarely steered him wrong.

“What kind of son does that to his father?” Luke muttered.

He realized he hadn’t made a reservation for Saturday. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he called the restaurant, but couldn’t get them in until six-thirty, then he called Bryce to her know.

“Is that alright?” he asked her.

“It’s fine. I’m glad we were able to get in at all. I’m excited to go.”

“Me too. Okay, sweetheart, I’ll pick you up around six. Dress sexy,” he said, grinning.

“Oh, I will. Don’t you worry about that, cowboy. See you then.”

Luke grinned as placed his phone inside the cup holder on the console, and drove home.

Chapter Nine

Bryce waited at the window, counting down the minutes until Luke’s arrival. Leah was spending the night with Lisa, and Bryce couldn’t wait to spend some quality time alone with Luke. They were going to his house after dinner. She had packed an overnight bag, but Luke insisted she didn’t need it, which made her laugh.

She couldn’t even remember the last time she went on a date. She was excited to see Luke’s home as well; he had mentioned it was an old farmhouse that he had renovated himself. A smile spread across her face when she saw his truck coming down Main Street, her heart fluttering with anticipation. She loved him so much.

When he knocked on the door, she took a deep breath, smoothed out her dress, and walked toward the door. She opened it and stared at him in awe. He held a bouquet of red roses in one hand and removed his hat with the other. He was dressed in a navy blue dress shirt, dark blue jeans and black cowboy boots. As usual, his coat hung open.

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