Page 77 of High Density

“I need to find someone to fix the fence on that pasture in the back so we can put the horses out during the day.”

Logan looks surprised. “Horses? More than one?”

That’s right, I forgot he’d already gone home Friday afternoon when Sheriff Ewing asked me to look after the pinto. He wouldn’t have known she was here.

“Shoot. I guess you missed that part. The sheriff asked me to temporarily board Lacey Del Franco’s horse.”

A shadow passes over his face at the mention of her name. I feel bad even bringing her up, but there’s no way to avoid it with the animal boarded here.

“I noticed the horse was gone when I got to the grounds on Saturday, but I didn’t know you had her,” he admits.

“Yeah, she’s our guest for now. At least until I find out from the sheriff what is going to happen with her.”

As if summoned, my phone rings and Sheriff’s Office appears on my display.

“Speak of the devil.”

Logan slips out of my office as I answer the call.

Chapter Twenty-Four

JD

“In a hurry?”

I turn to find Thomas leaning against the railing of the porch as I head to my truck.

As much as I enjoyed the physical labor today, it did little to alleviate the gnawing worry about Janey. Which is why I’m rushing to get to her place.

Still, I tell Thomas, “Not really.”

“Good, then you can join me for a drink. I wanna hear all about the excitement at the rodeo.”

Guilt has me take the first step up to the porch.

Thomas reminds me of my grandpa, who also spent his last years sitting on his porch, watching the world go by. He’d ask me to sit down with him too, but I always had better things to do. I was too young to appreciate what I was missing out on, and I don’t want to make that mistake twice.

Still, I quickly pull my phone from my pocket and shoot off a text to Janey.

How was your day? Are you home?

An answer comes back immediately.

Okay. Productive. Tiring. And yes. I’m just putting my feet up for a bit. How about you?

Done for the day. Having a quick drink with the old man before coming over. That okay?

Of course. Your father?

Ha. Don’t be calling him an old man to his face.

No, Thomas. He missed out on all the gossip.

Ah. Gotcha. Spaghetti and meatballs okay? The meatballs are frozen, I don’t have the energy for much more.

Leave cooking to me. You relax.

Well, if you insist. (Smiley face)

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