Page 29 of Luke

“Mr. Marshall?”

“Yeah, can I help you with something?”

The men walked closer to each other until they were just a few feet away.

“I’m Agent Luke McCallister from the Montana Department of Livestock,” Luke introduced himself as he shook the man’s hand.

“Agent McCallister. Are you here about the horses?”

“Yes. Any ideas?”

“Hell, if I know. Who would steal Shires? Those horses may be gentle giants, but they’re huge.”

“I don’t understand either. They must have had a large trailer.”

“I followed the tracks as far as I could, but the snow made it impossible to keep going.”

“I did too.” Luke handed him one of his business cards. “If you think of anything, please give me a call.”

“Will do.”

“How long have you worked for Mr. Hancock?”

“Twenty-six years. I’ve been here since I was seventeen.”

“He seems like a good man. That’s why I’ll do everything in my power to find his horses.”

“I hope you do. He was diagnosed with cancer recently, did you know?”

“No, I didn’t. I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“He mentioned a son,” Luke said.

Rafe Marshall grimaced. “A waste of space in my opinion. The first thing he’ll do is sell this place once Fred is gone.” Rafe shook his head. “I could never understand why Hancock’s wife stayed with him, but I could tell she was terrified of him.”

“Yes, Fred mentioned he thought his son would sell the place once he was gone.” Luke shook his head. “I’m really sorry to hear that about him.” Luke sighed. “Well, I should get going. Take care and let me know if you hear anything.”

“I will. Be careful out there.”

Luke walked out of the barn, got into his truck, and drove back to the office.

****

The sun was bright Sunday afternoon, and it was bitterly cold, but Bryce was so happy to be going out. Luke had sent her a text that he was on his way, but she wasn’t going to bundle Leah up until he got here. She didn’t want her to get overheated.

She’d been shocked when Connie brought her a newborn snowsuit in pink. That woman was amazing. Bryce had never met so many kind people in her life. It seemed like once they took you in, you belonged.

Standing at the window, she smiled as she looked at the snow-covered sidewalks. No one was out and about, but she knew Connie was busy cooking for anyone braving the cold. Bryce would bet the little diner would be packed.

As she stood there, she saw a truck coming down the street and realized it was Luke. Butterflies filled her belly just thinking about seeing him again. He was so very handsome. Even though she knew a man was the last thing she needed right now, she couldn’t deny being attracted to him.

She watched as he turned into the parking lot of the diner, then lost sight of him. He told her not to dress up. Jeans were fine, so she wore a blue turtleneck sweater that matched her eyes, jeans, and ankle boots on her feet.

She jerked when he knocked on the door. Taking a deep breath, she walked to the door, opened it, and waved him inside, then quickly closed the door.

“Hi, are you ready to go?”

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