Page 1 of The Cowboy's Justice

CHAPTER ONE

Trying to stay patient on the crowded freeway, Devlin McCoy checked his side view mirrors trying to determine if any of the motorists on the packed freeway would let him change lanes. He’d been competing at a state show and was hauling his two horses back to his ranch when the motorway had turned into a parking lot.

Thinking it would be better to drive the surface streets than sit for hours in the bumper to bumper traffic, he signaled to change into the right lane so he could exit. Finally seeing an SUV slow to a stop he began to roll slowly in front of it. But the driver abruptly accelerated and swerved past him, clipping his right front fender. Though he tried not to stop sharply it couldn’t be avoided and it jolted the trailer.

Saying a silent thank you his two horses were used to bumps and noise, he stared furiously after the gleaming white Cadillac SUV. The ostentatious vehicle sported tinted windows and more chrome than he thought should be legal, and it began honking and forcing its way into the other lanes. Snatching up his phone he videoed the obscene attempted getaway for a few seconds, then hastily jumped from his truck to check the fender. Finding it wasn’t as bad as he feared and he could still drive, he climbed back behind the wheel. As he began to inch forward thoughtful motorists behind him allowed him the space he needed to exit.

* * *

Almost forty-five minutes later Devlin was driving down the country road through Smoky Hill and turning down the lane that would take him to his ranch. The day he’d made thedecision to purchase the run down property, a perfect rainbow had appeared over the mountains in the distance. The moment had taken his breath away, and he’d believed it to be a sign. He named the facility Rainbow Ranch.

In the short three years he’d been there he’d made friends with several of the other cowboys in the area. His high-end clients from Dallas loved coming out to the peaceful facility to train with him. They knew their horses were much happier in the open spaces than confined in stalls at a city barn, and word soon spread. New riders began calling and asking if they could join his program.

But he was selective.

Horses he could rehabilitate, but their owners were another matter. Success in the ring required the right attitude and tenacity. But more importantly, they had to put their horses above all else. If the riders didn’t show the utmost love, respect, and dedication to their animal, they weren’t accepted.

Marge and Belle, the mares he’d been hauling, were both champions, but as he unloaded them his only concern was their wellbeing. It appeared the unfortunate incident hadn’t rattled or injured them, and he led them off to one of the paddocks near the barn. As he thought of what could have happened to them he felt a flash of anger, but the moment was interrupted by the sound of an approaching vehicle. Glancing up he spotted Sheriff Cooper’s car rolling up the drive.

“Perfect timing,” he exclaimed as the sheriff came to a stop and climbed out. “I was about to call you.”

“About that?” the sheriff asked, pointing at the front of the truck.

“How did you know?”

“A motorist on the highway called 911. The SUV that hit you was causin’ havoc. By the time Highway Patrol reached the area it was gone, but the motorist filmed it…and you. I was contactedbecause when they ran the plates they discovered you both live here in Smoky Hill.”

“I’ve never seen that SUV around this area.”

“I haven’t either, but hold on to your hat. It’s owned by Portia Peyton.”

“Can’t say I know the name.”

“You should. She owns that new home next to Annie Baker’s place. Or should I say, Annie King. After all, she is married to Brody.”

“She’s such a big star I’m sure she’ll be known as Annie Baker forever.”

“Probably true. Anyway, I just came from speakin’ with Miss Peyton and she claims you cut in front of her causin’ her to clip your truck.”

“That’s not what happened.”

“Hold on, Devlin, let me finish. She also said she was goin’ to stop but when she pulled next to your truck you started screamin’ at her and scared her to death. She claims she was chargin’ through the traffic to get away from you.”

“Sheriff, that’s a pack of lies.”

“I believe you, but when it’s a he said—she said thing, it can get a bit tricky, especially when she has more money than we could ever imagine. She’ll have high-powered lawyers and said she might sue you. ”

“Sheriff, there’s no problem about who’s tellin’ the truth. I have back-up cameras on my trailer and I turn them on in heavy traffic. First, you’ll see her stop. I thought it was to let me move into her lane so I could get off that damn freeway, but when I started to switch lanes she went flyin’ past and hit me. I also have a video of her honkin’ her horn and tryin’ to push her way into other lanes after she did. I can assure you there was no yellin’ from me at any point.”

“Damn. Let me take a closer look at the damage to your truck, then show me the videos.”

* * *

Ten minutes later they were seated at Devlin’s kitchen table drinking coffee and viewing the footage from the trailer cameras. The white SUV had stopped, but what Devlin hadn’t seen at the time was the attractive, dark-haired heiress staring into her rearview mirror and applying makeup. She’d looked back through the windshield, and a second later the SUV had bolted forward.

“Well, well, well,” the sheriff muttered. “It’s hard to know if she hit the accelerator by accident, or she wanted to get past you before you could change lanes. Let me see what you have on your phone.”

As Devlin played back the short recording, the young woman’s aggressive driving looked even worse than when he’d witnessed it firsthand.

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