Page 99 of Stables

I know why she’s hesitating, and I hate that she’s scared.

Her decision is interrupted by a soft tap on the front door.

Paisley’s body goes rigid as she finds Char’s face with fear twisting her tiny features.

“I’ll get it. Paisley, you want to go with me, or stay with mommy?” I pick her up as I stand, waiting for her reply.

“Mommy,” she whines.

I don’t argue, but sit her gently on Char’s thigh.

When I swing the door open, Wade’s face is as red as his hair, and he pulls his brown cowboy hat off to wipe his brow.

“Hey Dix, sorry I’m late. I’ve been busier than a squirrel in acorn season.” He grins and props his hat back over his shaggy copper mane.

“Sounds fun,” I grunt, and lead him in.

Paisley pokes her head over her mom’s shoulder to watch us come in, then hides as Wade gets closer.

“Miss Charlotte.” He gestures to the end of the table. “May I?”

“Please.” Char nods, her palm idly smoothing Paisley’s shirt.

I find my seat, stretching my arm over the back of Char’s chair.

Wade pulls out his wrinkled notebook from the chest pocket of his uniform and tosses it on the table. “So, Dix said there’s possibly a trespassing and horse theft charge? Can you tell me what happened?”

Char folds her bottom lip in as her head swivels to each of us.

I watch her freeze, her grip tightening on Paisley until the toddler squirms.

It makes my teeth grit, knowing the doubt gnawing at her.

Both of my friends remain silent, but it’s me that finally breaks the silence.

“We nail that son of a bitch to the wall.”

Chapter 27

Char

“I don’t know,” Istammer.

Matt will retaliate. He always does.

“Too tight.” Paisley wiggles, her little face turning red as she struggles to get off my lap.

“Sorry, baby girl,” I whisper, letting her slide down.

She doesn’t take a step before she turns to Dixon and holds up her arms.

He picks her up where she nestles against his shoulder, then blows me a sloppy kiss. “Love you, mommy.”

Dixon’s mustache sneaks up at the corner as his caramel eyes fix on me.

They’re all watching me.

The sheriff clears his throat, shuffling his notebook in front of him. “Miss Char. When was your divorce finalized and were the horses discussed in it?”

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