Page 15 of The Cowboy's Justice

“Don’t react, don’t say anything, just listen. I’m sitting on Marge above your property. I just saw William pour something into the mug you left at the pool, then he followed you inside. Don’t drink it, and don’t act weird.”

“Um, okay.”

“You need to get away from him. Can you send him off someplace and meet me at the back gate?”

“Yes, I can do that.”

“Great, I’ll be waitin’. You might want to throw on a pair of jeans real quick.”

“Okay, bye.”

“What did he want?” William asked as she ended the call.

“He just wanted to make sure I’m bringing the right kind of clothing. Can you do me a favor?”

“Sure.”

“In one of the cabinets in the garage there’s a large, grey suitcase. I need it. The one I have in my closet will be too small.”

“No problem, I’ll fetch it while you finish your coffee.”

“Good idea,” she replied, picking up the mug. “Thanks, William.”

But as he left, her heart skipped.

There was no grey suitcase.

He’d have to hunt for it.

That would take time.

And she had an idea.

Holding the mug, she grabbed a half empty bottle of water from her bedside table and raced into the bathroom. After emptying the water into the sink, she poured in half of the coffee, replaced the cap, then hurried back into the bedroom and set the mug on her dresser. She’d hastily pulled on a pair of jeans and boots and was about to leave when she had a sudden thought. Stepping quickly to the bathroom door, she pressed in the knob at the back and pulled it shut, causing it to lock from the inside.

Hurrying from her bedroom and through the lounge, she moved out to the patio and ran across to the fence. She could see Devlin on horseback waiting on the other side, and as she opened the gate he jumped off his mare.

“Here, this was in my coffee mug,” she exclaimed, hastily handing him the water bottle.

“Great,” he said, taking it and placing it into his saddle bag. “Now face the saddle and kick your foot back at me. When I lift you up just swing your leg over, and don’t worry. Marge won’t move.”

“Oh, my goodness! Are you sure about this?”

“Of course, it’s easy, trust me.”

“I do, I do.”

“On three! One, two, three!”

As he hoisted her up she felt as light as a feather, and settling into the saddle she felt surprisingly comfortable.

“Just relax and sit there. I’m going to ride Bella and pony you, but we have to get movin’ before William comes out and spots us.”

“How can you ride Bella without a saddle or bridle?”

“I ride these horses naked all the time,” he replied with a wink.

In spite of the frightening circumstance she grinned back at him.

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