Page 20 of The Cowboy's Wild Side

He’d do whatever had to be done to keep her safe.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Standing in the middle of Karen’s lounge, Paddy O’Brien scanned the room and shook his head. Life had been so much easier when people kept framed photographs and desks with file folders in drawers. Now everyone kept everything on their password protected tablets, laptops and phones. At least slipping past doormen and security guards was still a breeze, and door locks remained relatively uncomplicated.

Ambling into her bedroom, he stood still as his practiced eye took in his surroundings, then abruptly broke into a grin. Perched on a bookcase filled with bric a brac was a photograph showing an attractive young woman.

“Finally,” he exclaimed, marching across and lifting it from the shelf.

Turning the frame over and prying off the back, his smile grew wider. As he’d hoped, there was a message.

For my besties until we meet again here at my new home in Smoky Hill. Mom and dad have actually called this new place The Rutherford Rustic Retreat. Can you believe it? They’re a riot.

Love you both,

Helen.

In the distance behind the attractive girl was a beautiful hacienda style home. Slipping the photograph into his pocket, he continued his search, hitting pay dirt a secondtime. Sliding open the drawer in the bedside table, he found a business card with the name, Moonshine Campgrounds. It too was in Smoky Hill. Turning it over he found another message.

Hey, Karen, this is the most wonderful place. It has rustic cabins and a fantastic restaurant. You must come and visit me soon. I love it here and I know you would too. Have a great birthday. XXX Helen.

Assuming it had been sent with a birthday card, Paddy continued his search, but finding nothing more he sat on the edge of the bed and called the number on the business card.

“Moonshine Campgrounds.”

“Hello, my name is Patrick McBride,” he began. “I don’t know if you can help me, but I’m arranging a college reunion and I’m having trouble tracking down an old friend. Her name is Helen Rutherford, and she lives in a Hacienda style home in Smoky Hill. I don’t suppose you know her by any chance?”

“I do. Her family recently built a lovely home here, and it does resemble a Spanish Hacienda.”

“You wouldn’t happen to know the address would you?”

“Um…hold on. We probably have it. They often dine here. Yes, here it is. 78 Old Hill Road, Smoky Hill, and that’s in Texas of course.”

“Yes, of course. Thank you, you’ve been extremely helpful. Maybe I should just come out there and stay at your facility. Is it very busy?”

“Not at all. This is the off season.”

“Then book me in. I’ll be there tomorrow. I like doing things on the spur of the moment.”

“I just need a few details, then you can decide on whatkind of cabin you want.”

In just a few minutes the reservation had been made, and ending the call, Paddy entered the address of the Rutherford home into an app. A moment later an image of the house appeared on his screen. It was the same home behind the three girls in the photograph. Though there was no guarantee Karen was there it was a possibility, and so far the only lead he had. Another search told him the town was only an hour or so out of Dallas. Though it was late, he knew Gino was anxious for news and called him.

“Paddy! Have you found her?”

“Possibly. I’ll be leaving in the morning to check out a lead.”

“Where?”

“A small town called Smoky Hill.”

“Never heard of it.”

“There’s no reason you should have. I’ll call you the minute I learn anything.”

“Thanks, Paddy. I have thirty-six hours to find her and shut her the fuck up. How likely is this?”

“Let’s just say I have a hunch.”

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