Page 17 of Lie for a Million

“What about the rest of your family?”

“They’re keeping their distance. My mother’s angry at him for disgracing the family. My stepdad can’t get there alone. And the youngsters don’t want to show up and call attention to what’s happened—Rowdy’s arrest would make juicy back page reading in the tabloids.”

“So it falls on you to play the big brother,” Sam said. “I’m sorry, Roper. Family problems are the worst.”

“You sound like someone who knows. What about your family? I’ve never asked you.”

“One ex-wife, no kids. My brother died young in a car accident and my parents are long gone, so there’s just me. I don’t know what I can do to help your situation, but if you need anything—within the limits of my job, of course—feel free to ask.”

“Of course. Thanks anyway.”

Sam felt the chill in his words. The last time he was here, he and Roper had formed a cautious friendship. But everyone at the ranch was a murder suspect, and this man was among the most likely. Roper would surely be aware of that.

Roper finished with the stall and spent a few minutes directing his workers. Then he went out to his truck.

As Sam watched him drive away, he reflected on what he’d seen and heard. When Roper had talked about Lila and their so-called negotiations, Sam could sense the frustration he was barely holding back. There was something going on between the two of them. But unless it concerned Frank’s murder, it was none of his business. For now, all he could do was watch and wait.

It was too early yet to catch Crystal at work. He would drive to Willow Bend after lunch and hope to find her. If she was telling the truth about her pregnancy—or even if she was lying—her situation could cast his case in a whole new light.

CHAPTERFIVE

Roper had posted his brother’s $500 bail and followed Rowdy’s truck home, where his mother waited to lay on the shame. Against the advice of his public defender, Rowdy had elected to plead not guilty. His trial had yet to be scheduled. Meanwhile, since Rowdy couldn’t leave the county to compete in the rodeos, he’d be put to work on the ranch, finishing the stable and building more fences. He’d whined and complained about that, but Roper couldn’t be bothered to listen. His brother had some hard lessons to learn.

After seeing Rowdy safe with the family, Roper turned the truck around and headed back to the Culhane Ranch. By now it was midmorning. He’d spent a couple of precious hours handling Rowdy’s situation. Now it was time to deal with his own.

Lila was his first priority. With Fire Dance already on the road and due sometime that afternoon, he needed to square things with his boss.

His beautiful boss.

As he drove, the memory swept over him—Lila’s legs wrapping his hips, her eager body, her little cries as he brought her to climax.

With a curse, Roper forced the images from his mind. But his body remembered—the feel of her skin on his, the fragrance of her hair, her seeking mouth, and the warm moistness that had welcomed him home . . .

As he turned the truck into the employee lot, he could see her standing on the patio. Was she waiting for him? Did she know that he’d already arranged for Fire Dance’s delivery?

Braced for the confrontation that had to come, Roper left his truck and strode across the lot and up the path to the patio gate. She held her ground, waiting for him to come to her. Only as he opened the gate and stepped through did she speak.

“Sam told me you’d sent for the horse.” Her voice carried a distinct chill.

“Did he also tell you that I’d accepted your terms?” Roper faced her, taking stock of her stubbornly set chin and the flash of temper in her coppery eyes.

“He did. At least you could have told me yourself.”

“There wasn’t a good time—I was dealing with a family problem. I called Chet Barr last night because I needed to let him know my decision. By then it was too late to bother you.”

“And today? What’s your excuse?”

After a morning that had tried his patience, Roper’s temper broke through. The woman might be his boss, but he wasn’t accountable to her for every minute of his life. “My kid brother was in jail for cocaine possession. I was there to post bail and make sure he went straight home. And if you’re expecting an apology—”

“Of course not.” Her expression softened. “I’m sorry about your brother, Roper. I hope he’ll be all right. But you could have called.”

“It wasn’t the most pressing thing on my mind. The horse will be here this afternoon, and I’ll have my hands full. I’ve agreed to your terms—all expenses for Fire Dance and twenty-five percent of my prize if we win. If you want to draw up an agreement, I’ll sign it.”

“That won’t be necessary. I’ll hold you to your word.”

“Thanks. I mean it, Boss.” Roper hadn’t meant for the informal name to sound like a caress, but it had. He and Lila would have a lot of tension to work through, especially after Fire Dance’s arrival. But at least they’d made it this far.

“We’ll talk later,” he said, turning away. “I’ll be working if you need me.”

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