Page 32 of Smokescreen

“There’s one more thing.” Trick grabbed the reins of her horse and lowered his voice. “I’ve been keeping an eye on the four newest hires here.”

Olive’s breath caught as she waited for him to continue. “And?”

“Out of all four, the one I’m leaning toward the most as a suspect is a man named Dippy Larks.”

Dippy Larks? Was that even a real name?

“He’s the goofy-looking guy with the big ears,” Trick said. “He was out there helping with the fence when we left.”

Based on that description, Olive knew exactly who he was. “I saw him. Why Dippy?”

“I noticed him taking some pictures around the ranch. It seemed fishy, if you ask me. It was almost like he was scoping out the place. I mean, his pictures were of the Homestead, the barn, the horses.” Trick shrugged. “Something didn’t feel right about it.”

“Did you confront him?”

“I thought about it, but I didn’t want to do that yet. I don’t want to draw that kind of attention to myself. Instead, I’m going to keep an eye on him. In fact, while the bunkhouse is clear, I’d like to look through his things.”

“You go do that,” Olive told him. “I know how to take care of these horses.”

“I thought you wanted me to show you what needs to be done?” Trick looked puzzled.

“That was just for the benefit of anyone listening. I’ve got this.”

Trick tipped his hat to her before hurrying away.

Olive hoped he found out something. Because they could use a really good lead right now.

Andy was still gone. The threats unresolved. Now Lucy had shown up.

Somehow, they needed to accelerate the pace of this investigation before it turned deadly.

Olive had just finished brushing the horses and putting them back in their stalls when the sound of someone whistling outside caught her ear.

She gave Bella one more rub on the side of her face before stepping away. “Let me see who that is. I’ll be back to get you some more water.”

As she walked to the edge of the stables and peered out, she sucked in a breath.

Dippy Larks stomped toward the bunkhouse.

She needed to stop this guy before he walked in on Trick going through his things.

She stepped outside and waved her hand. “Excuse me!”

Dippy stopped and turned to her. His annoyed expression softened when he saw her, almost as if he knew he needed to be polite to his boss’s girlfriend. “Yes?”

“How’s everything going out there with the fence? I was really worried when I left. Are all the cattle okay?”

“Reid and Cooper have everything under control. But they’ll be out there for a while still.”

“I thought it was all-hands-on-deck. That’s why it worried me when I saw you come back so soon. You’re sure everything’s okay?”

“I asked if I could be excused. My IBS is acting up.”

His IBS? Did he really say that out loud?

Olive tried not to make a face. “I see. I guess I shouldn’t hold you up much longer then.”

“No, if you don’t mind, I really gotta go.” His face looked slightly green as he pointed to the bunkhouse.

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