Page 78 of Stables

He glances up at me, then pats the seat of the chair next to him.

When I slide in, he wraps his hand around my thigh and tugs me closer before turning to his brother.

“So, Lori said something about a development?” His thumb works in a circle next to my knee, stoking the coals that have been burning in me since this morning.

Mason leans back, his smile disappearing, and runs his fingers through his dark hair. “Yea, I think someone’s been poisoning some of the ponds.”

Chapter 20

Dixon

My jaw tightens untilmy teeth grit. “I thought all that bull was over with after Trevor and Cash…” I wave my hand, not needing to go into details.

Mason nods. “I thought so too. There hasn’t been any more disappearing, but we had a whole batch abort in the north pasture.”

I try to remember which ponds are up there, but come up shy. “I thought it was mostly Deer Creek that runs through there? Which pond are you talking about?”

Lori brings out a loaded platter full of glazed pork chops that smell amazing.

Damn, she’s a good cook. I can tell why Mason hasn’t wanted to go out as often the last few months.

“Someone cut down a whole swatch of Ponderosa Pines. So we moved them to Baker’s and then lost fifty head the first week.”He grimaces as he scoops salad onto his plate. “I sent off samples and had the vet come up with Wade.”

Char’s palm covers my knuckles on her leg.

I hate that she’s here at a sour time, but I’m lucky she’s not naive when it comes to ranch life.

“What did ol’ Doc Roberts say?” Frustrated doesn’t even begin to describe what I’m feeling.

Not only did Trevor and Cash run off with thousands of dollars worth of cattle, they put Sophia and Lori at risk.

I was sure that Mason getting rid of them would eliminate the threat.

This means more people are involved.

“Doc Roberts has a new gal working for him by the name of Noelle Ray. She came from the dairies in Oregon so seems to know a lot about cows.” Mason slices off a piece of thick pork and chews slowly.

“Did she have any insight?” I follow his lead, but make sure there’s several tiny pieces on my plate for Paisley.

She seems easily wooed with food, so I want to keep her happy.

Her mom does too, gauging by the subtle moans I hear Char loosing next to me as she eats.

Fuck, they make my jeans tight.

The corner of Mason’s mouth curls up as he watches me.

Smart man keeping his comments to himself, though.

“She said it could be a bacterial contamination. She also pointed out that there’s no way that pond would reach those levels organically since it isn’t a manure leach field. But it’s one of those things that wouldn’t flag as intentional.” Mason stabs another chunk of meat and points at me. “She’s savvy. Wade filled her in on the troubles we’ve had and she agrees it looks intentional.”

Fuck.

“Ford and Sawyer are keeping tabs on the Big Bend ponds. I bought a shitload of cameras to put out.” Mason glances down at Paisley. “I mean a bunch.” He looks down at his sleeping son in his arms. “I guess I better get used to little ears again.” Sheepishly, he grins at Lori.

“Who’s Ford?” Char asks from beside me.

It’s strange, I feel like she’s been a part of my family this whole time.

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