Page 25 of The Cowboy's Promise

“You’re welcome, and sorry to be the bearer of bad news.”

“Hopefully it’s nothing serious. I’ll speak to you later.”

In spite of his deep concern Joe did his best to drive within the speed limit. The last thing he wanted was a deputy pulling him over. But as he saw a sign that read, Lake View Point, though he didn’t know why, he had an unexpected urge to follow it.

Swerving off the road he drove down a short gravel lane and came to an abrupt stop in front of a rocky shoreline. The majestic mountains he’d seen through the window at the Moonshine restaurant loomed over a pristine lake surrounded by towering pine trees. In awe of the sight, he climbed from his car and stepped closer to the water’s edge.

“I must bring Courtney here,” he muttered, but just as the words left his lips a dark cloud crossed the sun.

He was suddenly bathed in a swathe of shadowy darkness, and an unfamiliar prickling sensation sent goosebumps popping across his skin. Though he told himself it was because the air had turned chilly, he couldn’t deny a disturbing, almost eerie feeling. Glancing around, he noticed a large, oddly shaped rock boasting an embedded plaque. Though he was intrigued, he fell victim to a third cold shudder and hurried back to his car. But as he settled behind the wheel he had a sudden realization. A hospital bed and the attention of a caring medical staff was far more preferable to a cell with a hard mattress pad and demanding deputies.

“Of course!” he exclaimed, throwing up his arms. “She’s faking it.”

Convinced his theory was right and feeling greatly relieved, he slowly turned around and made his way back to the road. But the plaque continued to dance through his head, and the voice in his head said he should have made the effort to read it.

* * *

When Blake and Heather returned to the barn, Butch immediately raced down the aisle, sat in front of Heather’s trunk and barked.

“He’s doin’ it again,” Blake declared, climbing off and removing the bareback pad. “Heather, would you put Big Ben and Apollo in the cross ties while I see what’s makin’ Butch behave that way?”

“Yes, sure.”

“Okay, Butch, let’s see what’s goin’ on,” he exclaimed, marching across the aisle.

As he lifted the lid, Butch eagerly stared inside while Blake began carefully removing the contents. But when he lifted out the sheet Buck had given Heather at the show for Henry, the dog immediately barked again.

“Is this what’s been gettin’ your attention?” Blake muttered. “But why…ooh…what a smart dog you are.”

“What is it?” Heather asked, hurrying across to join them.

“Dammit, I should’ve realized. I have a buddy who trains drug sniffin’ dogs. He knew I’d lost my golden and when Butch didn’t make the grade he called and wanted to know if I’d take him. What a good boy,” Blake exclaimed, making a fuss of the happy shepherd.

“But why would he pick up a scent from Henry’s blanket.”

“It must have come into contact with some of Courtney’s—hold on—this band around the bottom, it’s kind of thick. Damn. I think there’s something in there. I’m callin’ Sheriff Cooper.”

“And I think that’s your lesson coming down the drive,” Heather exclaimed, glancing up as she heard the sound of the approaching vehicle. “It’s Katy, right?”

“Yep.”

“So you won’t have enough time to work with Apollo and me in the round pen.”

“Doesn’t look like it. Time gets away from us sometimes. Sorry, darlin’, but we’ll do it soon, and that’s a promise.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

While Blake taught his lesson, Heather returned to the paddock with Apollo. She was talking to Henry over the fence when she noticed Sheriff Cooper’s car rolling into the ranch. Calling to Butch, she hurried out to meet him.

“Hey, Heather,” the sheriff said, pulling on gloves as he moved around to his trunk and lifted out a large plastic bag.

“Hello, Sheriff.”

As they walked to the barn she explained how the brilliant dog had alerted to the blanket.

“I showed him the heavy one as well, but he didn’t do anything.”

“These canines are such a blessin’,” the sheriff declared, smiling down at him. “Once they learn something they never forget it, unlike humans, and they sure don’t lie the way humans do either.”

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