Page 10 of The Cowboy's Justice

“Why won’t Sheriff Cooper return her license on a conditional basis? That’s the answer for everyone.”

“No, it’s not. She might ignore those conditions and end up in another accident. That would be bad for everyone, including the sheriff.”

“Ah, yes, I see,” William muttered.

“As far as I’m concerned, havin’ her here is worth a shot. If it doesn’t work out we can always find an alternative solution.”

“In that case, Portia would like to swing by to see the guest cabin and hear more about what she’ll actually be doing. ”

“Not a problem. When does she want to come over?”

“Now, if that’s possible. But she wants me to drop her off. Can you bring her home? I’m returning to Dallas in the morning I’m pressed for time. I have a bunch of work I need to finish.”

“Now is fine. I’ll be in the barn, Just tell her to come on in.”

Ending the call, William stared at his phone.

The last thing he wanted was for Portia to stay at Rainbow Ranch. He needed her with him.

Alone.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Jethro and Jezebel were already racing from the barn when Devlin heard the Corvette coming down the drive. Stepping outside he watched the sports car slow to a stop, and the dogs run up to greet Portia the moment she climbed out.

“Hi, Devlin,” she called as they tried to lick her face when she leaned over to pet them. “Who are these two?”

“The lighter colored one is Jezebel and the other is Jethro. They’re brother and sister.”

“They’re so friendly. I haven’t been around dogs much, or any animals for that matter. My mother claims their fur gets all over the place.”

“She’s right,” he replied with a grin.

“Bye, Portia, I’ll see you later!” William called, staring out from his window with a dark frown.

“Okay, bye, William.”

“Let’s go into the barn,” Devlin suggested quickly. “I want you to meet Marge and Belle before I show you the cabin.”

“Marge and Belle?”

“My two mares,” he replied, but as he spoke he noticed William glaring at him before turning the car around and rolling up the driveway. “Your lawyer didn’t look very happy. Did you two have a fight?”

“No, he just doesn’t like the idea of me staying here.”

“Did he say why?”

“Huh, actually, now that you mention it, he didn’t,” she said thoughtfully as they walked down the barn aisle.

“I take it you haven’t been around horses much?”

“Not at all.”

“Just think of them as big dogs.”

“I’ll try,” she said with a grin. “I have to admit I’m a bit nervous.”

“That’s natural, but you’ll soon get used to them. The grey here is Belle,” he said, stopping at the mare’s stall, “and the chestnut in the stall next to her is Marge. Watch how I give Belle a piece of carrot. I flatten out my hand and put it in my palm like this. Now you do it.”

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