Page 25 of The Cowboy's Ultimatum

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“Kenny, you’re threatening me!” Helen exclaimed. “You’re actually threatening me. Or rather, you’re threatening Daisy, which is the same thing.”

“Don’t put words in my mouth. I was simply pointing out my friends matter to me, like your mare matters to you.”

“I’ve heard enough. I’m leaving.”

“Helen, I strongly suggest you stay right where you are.”

Though he hadn’t raised his voice he had shot her a look that sent a shiver rippling through her body.

“Fine, I’ll stay, but—”

“Decide what you want to eat,” he continued, cutting her off and picking up his menu. “We’ll discuss the details of all this over dessert.”

Afraid to leave and afraid to stay, and having no idea what to talk about, she gave in and picked up the menu. But as she tried to study the choices her mind was racing. She didn’t know Kenny at all, and suddenly felt foolish for allowing herself to be titillated by his bad boy charm.

“I think I’ll just have the spinach salad…and another shot of vodka!”

“Another shot of vodka,” he repeated with a chuckle.

“What’s so funny?”

“You know, Helen, I really do like you.”

“Then why are you asking me to do something I don’t want to do?”

“Because needs must,” he replied solemnly, his smile fading as quickly as it had appeared. “And you will do it, not because you’re scared of me--and don’t deny it, you are—but because you’re a smart girl and you know it’s the lesser of the two evils.”

“What two evils?”

“Doing what I ask and knowing the outcome, as opposed to not doing what I ask and looking over your shoulder.”

“No comment,” she muttered. “Am I allowed to go to the ladies room?”

“Why would you ask me such a thing? Honestly, Helen, you can be such a drama queen.”

Without responding, she rose unsteadily to her feet and walked through the dining room to the swinging doors. Pushing through them into a narrow hall, she started forward, but as she passed the door to the kitchen it suddenly opened and someone grabbed her hand. Startled, her eyes darted up and she found herself staring at Andy’s best friend, Brody King.

“Brody? What the hell are you doing?”

“Come with me,” he said, pulling her with him through the busy kitchen and into a small office.

“Hello, Helen,” the sheriff exclaimed, rising to his feet.

“Oh, my gosh! Sheriff Cooper! I’ll ask you what I just asked Brody. What are you doing here?”

“Listenin’ to your conversation. We planted a bug underneath the table. I’ll be sendin’ it off to the boys in Dallas. They’ll decide what action to take, if any.”

“Oh, dear God! I hope Kenny doesn’t find it.”

“It’s very difficult to see, but I have to make this quick. Agree to whatever he wants…but reluctantly. I’ll come over to the ranch later and explain everything to you and Andy. But you don’t have to worry. We’re here. Nothing’s going to happen to you. Now go back, and Helen, don’t drink any more. You need to stay sharp.”

“Thank you, sheriff, this has been absolutely nerve-racking, but I’ll be fine now. In fact, I’ll be better than fine. I’m going to help you catch him.”

“Helen, I don’t like the sound of that. Leave the catchin’ to me.”

“I will, but I’ll help,” she quipped, and before he could reply she had turned and hurried out the door.

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