Page 26 of The Cowboy's Wild Side

“Well, if you like pancakes no-one makes them likeHarry. Or the Spanish omelette. That’s my favorite. It comes with thick fries or hash browns.”

“Tough choice,” he said thoughtfully. “I suppose I should have the omelet, though the pancakes sound tempting. How big are they?”

“About four inches across. You can get a half portion if you want, that’s three, then have the omelet.”

“Sounds like a plan, and I’ll take the fries with that. What’s your name?”

“Mandy.”

“Hello, Mandy. My name’s Jim,” he lied. “Bring them as quick as you can. I’m famished.”

“I’ll get Harry right on it.”

As she walked away he poured cream into his coffee and took a sip. Finding it surprisingly hot with a rich flavor, he leaned back to idly stare out the window—and almost dropped the mug. Karen Harper was walking out of a western clothing store directly across the street.

Hastily placing the mug on the table and grabbing a menu he held it over his face as he stared. She was carrying several shopping bags, and began placing them into the back seat of a white Hyundai SUV.

“That’s why they didn’t see you take off,” he muttered, thinking back to the call from Harry and Mick. The two security guards had been watching her condo and sworn they hadn’t seen her leave. In a flash Gino realized she must have arranged for a rental company to drop off the vehicle.

“Your pancakes, sir.”

Jerking his head around, he watched the pretty young woman place the pancakes in front of him and a small jug of syrup on the table.

“Thanks.”

“You’re very welcome.”

As she walked away he hurriedly looked back towards the SUV, but to his dismay it had left. Hastily pulling his phone from his pocket he texted Paddy.

She’s here. I just saw her coming out of a store in town. She’s driving a white Hyundai SUV.

That’s great news. I’ll keep my eyes open.

Anything on your front? Where are you?

I’m sitting at a table in the restaurant talking to a waitress. Nothing yet, but she’s chatty.

Hit the road and start driving towards town. With any luck you’ll see Karen’s SUV and be able to follow her.

On my way.

Slipping his phone back in his pocket, Gino poured the syrup over the pancakes and took a bite. They were excellent, but his mind was still focused on what he’d just witnessed.

Karen had been shopping at a western wear store.

She would have left her place in a hurry so it stood to reason she’d need to buy a few things, but why a western store?

“How are the pancakes?” the waitress asked, breaking into his thoughts as she topped up his coffee.

“Delicious. You were right. By the way, that place across the street, Luke’s Western Garb. What can you tell me about it?”

“They sell clothing for all ages, and for both men andwomen. It’s surprisingly big once you get inside. They added a section in the back for riding supplies. It’s the only place in town where you can buy them.”

“Ah, I see. Thanks, Mandy.”

As she moved away a smirk crossed his face.

Karen was taking riding lessons.

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