Page 96 of Stockman's Showdown

‘So when do we get rid of that wanker next door?’ Cap blurted out. The dark rings under his eyes were evident that this whole situation had hit Cap the hardest.

‘We’ll be raiding Leo on Sunday at seven am, to make full use of the daylight hours. You said that’s when they have breakfast at their camp and swap patrol shifts?’ Marcus asked Ryder, who nodded. ‘Didn’t you say Leo and his men are all going to the rodeo, too?’

Again, Ryder gave a short affirmative nod. ‘Leo’s shouting his men as a bonus. He’s warned them they’ll be putting in long hours for the harvest, which he’s planning to start at the end of next week.’ Burning it down and blaming it on a bushfire might be quicker. Ryder side-glanced at Bree, finding her staring at him.

Aw crap, she had to be thinking the same thing, no doubt already devising a master plan in the blink of an eye.

Ryder narrowed his eyes at the redhead, as if to saydon’t do it!

Of course, the little outlaw jutted her chin in that look ofyou’re not the boss of me, then ignored him by returning her attention to the officers. She was so irritating!

‘I promise you Leo will never harvest that crop. I just need you lot to steer clear of that area when my team go in there.’ Marcus then dropped his elbow on the table and pointed at the redhead. ‘You too, Bree.’

‘Oh, hush now, officer. It’s never been a part of my wish list to interfere with a police operation. Not when I’ll be too busy creating a list of relatable songs to taunt Leo in prison for the rest of his life.’

Ash and Cap sniggered while Porter spluttered on his coffee.

Marcus leaned back in his seat. ‘Are you guys going to the rodeo?’

Ryder and his brothers shook their heads. They were planning on taking turns to watch their surveillance monitors, like binge-watching a bad reality show.

‘You should,’ said Bree, ‘as owners of Elsie Creek Station, it’ll look suspicious if you don’t attend. All cattle stations give their staff time off so they can attend race days, the campdraft, and local rodeos. It’s a big part of our social calendar.’

‘Bree’s right. Everyone will be there,’ said Marcus. ‘Will you be going, Bree?’

‘Charlie usually stays home—’

Ryder put his hand on her arm. ‘He doesn’t need to now.’

She moved her arm away.No touching.

He hated not being able to touch her in public. But Bree set the rules, and if he wanted to play, he had to behave.

‘I’ll talk to Charlie and see what he says.’

‘I’m not going. Mia won’t go into town either. We’ll stay home,’ said Cap, his eyes glued to the screens. ‘I’m happy to sit here and watch.’ Like he’d done most nights. It was Cap who had documented the neighbour’s security routes, the names of the staff, their habits, and even knew the strains of cannabis they were growing, all from watching those monitors like some obsession.

In one way, Ryder wished he’d never installed those cameras, it hadn’t been good for Cap’s health. ‘What about you, Ash? Do you want to go to the rodeo?’

‘Harper’s been on my case all week about going, she’s never been to a rodeo. She’s already bought our tickets, and a new hat.’ Ash gave that boyish grin, defusing the heavy mood.

‘How many hats is that now? She’s practically lined the walls of the farmhouse hallway as it is.’ The woman only had one head.

‘It’s Harper’s money, bro, and if it makes her happy, that’s enough for me.’

‘Jeez, they’re still in honeymoon mode,’ mumbled Marcus.

‘All my brothers are.’ Ryder was jealous that his brothers could be like that. ‘Bree, would you like to go to the rodeo?’With me.

‘I haven’t asked Charlie yet. But if we do go, I’ll be too busy pretending I don’t know you people in public.’ Again, she had that evil shine in her eyes, damn it was sexy.

‘I’m surprised you two aren’t arguing,’ said Porter, nodding at Bree and Ryder. ‘But I’ll give you both credit, when you two work together, you do big things.’

‘Hear hear,’ said Marcus, getting to his feet. ‘Well, let’s go before I drink Ryder’s good bourbon. But I’ll be back after we bust that crop to raid that stash you have for your bourbon room.’

‘A what?’ Bree asked.

This time, Ryder ignored her. ‘Will you need our help, Marcus?’ Ryder opened the door for the officers.

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