Page 4 of The Cowboy's Justice

“As I was tellin’ your lawyer, a cowboy’s horses…well…it’s hard to explain, but you put them at risk and that’s a bad thing. Real bad. He may want to sue, he may even pressure the D.A. to press more serious charges. Those videos are—”

“Can’t you talk to him?”

“Yep, but like I said, puttin’ his horses in danger like you did, that’s unforgivable. I’ll do my best, but there are no guarantees.”

“When will you talk to him?”

“I’ll stop into his place now. You’re not aware he’s a neighbor?”

“I had no idea.”

“He owns Rainbow Ranch. You can see the sign and the gravel driveway, but the facility is hidden behind a small thicket. I’ll let you know what he says.”

CHAPTER THREE

“Dammit,” Portia exclaimed, flopping into the heavily cushioned couch. “Tell me the truth, William. Will this go away quietly, or will my name be in all the papers again?”

“If you didn’t insist on—”

“Please, no lectures!”

“Then stop giving me reasons for them,” he retorted. “Whatever this cowboy comes back with just accept it and move on. The last thing you need is those videos going public. We’ll agree to his terms—whatever they are— if he promises to destroy them.”

“Okay, okay, you’re right, I just hope it isn’t anything crazy. I’m going into the gym. I need to work off all this nervous energy.”

“Keep your phone on. I’ll let you know when I hear something.”

As she rose to her feet and marched from the room, William’s eyes followed her. He’d always thought she had a great figure, and while she worked hard at keeping it that way, he worked hard at keeping any admirers at a distance.

She would soon be his.

All of her.

He would own her luscious body, and more importantly, control her fortune.

When she’d started talking about a country home in a small town called Smoky Hill, he’d quickly encouraged her, even finding her an architect. Though one of her longtime friends, Helen Rutherford, had married a local cowboy and would doubtless take up some of her time, Portia would still be awayfrom her busy social circle. Most especially the eager young men chasing after her. Now with the house finished and Portia settled in, it was time to put his wicked plan into action.

A conniving smile curled his lips.

It would start with a spiked cocktail.

But as he began to imagine the scene his phone rang, breaking into his wicked thoughts. Snatching it from his pocket and seeing the sheriff’s number he hastily accepted the call.

“Sheriff Cooper, thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I hope it’s good news.”

“I was able to reach the D.A. and we’ve had a meeting of the minds. A hefty fine and citations, but—”

“Great. What about the cowboy?”

“I was just about to tell you.”

“Apologies, Sheriff. I’m just anxious to get this behind us.”

“Your client has to meet with Devlin Hatfield tomorrow mornin’ at his ranch at ten o’clock.”

“I don’t understand. For what reason?”

“Mr. Hatfield wishes to tell her himself, but if you don’t agree I’ll need to get back to the D.A. right away. He’ll have to revisit the case and sentencing.”

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