Page 44 of The Cowboy's Ultimatum

* * *

At the Rutherford estate, Detective George Hawthorne had driven past the house and was coming to a stop by the back door. He was followed by the van and another agent in the second car. It was still early, but the final pieces of equipment still needed to be set up in the room next to the library. Though most of the work had been completed the day before, experience had taught him to have everything prepared well in advance, and to check and double-check every last detail.

Outsmarting Ken Lockhart hadn’t been easy, but after a tremendous amount of effort and many man hours, he and his team were on the verge of nailing him. George’s only concern was the involvement of a civilian, especially a young woman. But she’d already been unwittingly hijacked into the situation by the nefarious drug dealer.

When his close friend, who also happened to be the sheriff of Smoky Hill, had called with the startling news that a biker named Ken Lockhart was pressuring a local girl, George couldn’t believe his luck. He already knew the drug dealer was planning to infiltrate the small town and had plans to pursue the investigation. As the sheriff outlined the demands Ken had made to the young woman in question, George thought the news was almost too good to be true. But now, after meeting Helen Rutherford, he believed the opportunity he’d been seeking was finally at hand.

* * *

When Andy and Helen had finished their chores, and the horses were ready to be taken out to the paddocks, Helen decided to saddle up Daisy for a quick ride before leaving. With Molly running alongside, she followed the track to the entrance of the forest, then stopped and looked up through the trees.

The mist was already rising from the ground, and the temptation to move forward was hard to resist. But without Ranger with them, she worried for Molly’s safety. As she turned around to head back she paused. The area was slightly elevated, and looking down at the ranch sprawled out in front of her, she felt her heart swell. It wasn’t grand like her parents’ estate, but it was homey and inviting.

She could see Andy meeting his clients, and Ranger running around excited to see them all. Suddenly, for no apparently reason, she flashed back to the night before, and Andy’s lack of enthusiasm when she’d mentioned the clubs she frequented.

A frown crossed her brow.

She’d be running into several friends at the charity event and she had no doubt they’d want to plan their next night out.

“What do you think, Daisy?” she murmured, stroking her mare’s neck. “I love those crazy times and I really want Andy to be with me. Should I just continue to go by myself or try to drag him along? Shoot. I hope this won’t become a problem.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

After Helen returned Daisy to her paddock, she walked across to the round pen to wave goodbye to Andy. He was working with a skittish young colt, demonstrating how to calm the horse’s nerves and get his attention. Though she knew she had to leave she couldn’t pull her eyes away. There were no whips, or a chain around the animal’s nose, something she hated but had often seen at Erin’s facility. When the colt stopped acting up and let out a snort, Andy stepped up to him and stroked his neck.

“It’s not magic,” he declared, “it’s just patience and confidence. Horses are extremely sensitive. If you’re nervous, they will be too. They’re looking to you for direction. Give it to them. Show them there’s nothing to fear. When you pass a scary object, touch it, then let them take as much time as they need to approach it and explore it themselves.”

Watching the faces of his clients eager to learn, she felt like one of them. She’d been riding for years, but around Andy she felt like a beginner.

“Now let’s get tacked up and move into the arena,” he continued, then spotting her, he hurried over with a wide smile. She wasn’t surprised when the colt followed him.

“That was wonderful,” she said softly. “You make it look so easy.”

“It is. Are you headin’ off to the estate?”

“I am. What time will you get there?”

“Probably between seven-thirty and eight. We’re supposed to finish at six, but that never happens,” he remarked with a grin.

“What will you do with Ranger?”

“I’m not sure. He’ll probably pretty worn out after all the activity today, but I still don’t want to leave him on his own so soon. I know he’s good about stayin’ in the truck, so I might bring him and let him hang out there.”

“I could put Molly with him.”

“That’s a great idea. They’ll be two peas in a pod. Problem solved.”

“I have to run, I’m a bit late, not that it really matters, but mom will be in a panic.”

“I’ll see you tonight, darlin’,” he murmured, then leaned forward and pecked her on the cheek. “And don’t forget, just follow orders. That detective and the sheriff know what they’re doin’.”

“I will, I promise. Bye…and Andy…I love you.”

“I love you too darlin’.”

* * *

Kenny knew Erin spent the morning on horseback, and started her lessons at one o’clock. Not wanting to be seen he always arrived before noon. Ever vigilant, when he rode his Harley through the gates, his eyes darted around the facility looking for anything out of the ordinary. There were no cars except for her SUV, and two workers were cleaning the stalls. Satisfied, he continued on and came to a stop beside the indoor arena. Climbing off his bike, he removed his helmet, lifted her package from his saddlebag, and walked briskly inside expecting to see her on a horse. But the ring was empty.

---