Page 90 of Smokescreen

“I find it all strange.” Reid took his hat off and raked a hand through his hair. “What if none of this is true, and someone simply started this rumor?”

“Why would someone start a rumor like that?”

“That’s what I want to figure out,” Reid said. “Maybe to distract us from what’s really going on?”

Olive slowly nodded. “That’s one theory.”

Just then, someone banged on the front door. “Reid! I need you. Now!”

Reid and Olive darted toward the door.

When Reid opened it, Cooper stood there. His eyes were wide and his breathing heavy.

“Boss . . . look over there.” Cooper pointed to the west.

Olive glanced in the direction Cooper indicated.

Her breath caught when she saw a plume of smoke rising from the horizon.

“My property is on fire,” Reid muttered.

“Olive, call 911,” Reid shouted as he stepped farther outside. “Cooper, you and I need to round up the guys. We need to move all the cattle to the east. We don’t want them to get caught in this.”

“Yes, sir. I’m on it.” Cooper sprinted toward the bunkhouse.

Reid took off after him, jumping into action.

Pacing on the porch, Olive quickly called 911 and explained the situation. The operator promised to send a crew out.

She stuffed her phone in her back pocket and stepped off the porch just as Reid rode up on his horse.

“How can I help?” she rushed.

Reid pulled back the reins, pausing a minute. “We need to be ready to evacuate if it comes down to it. It will take a while for the fire to get this far, but the wind is strong today. That won’t work in our favor.”

Olive remembered the beautiful countryside she’d seen when they were out this morning. The forest with all its animals and mountains and streams was like a scene from a fairy tale. She could hardly stomach the thought of that beauty being destroyed.

“I hope they get here in time.”

“Me too.” Reid nudged his heels into the horse’s side, and Blaze started to trot away. But not before Reid could say, “I’m going to go help my guys wrangle the cattle. Tell the staff what’s going on and make sure they have a go bag ready just in case.”

“I’m on it.” But Olive couldn’t ignore the wave of anxiety bubbling inside her.

CHAPTER 40

Olive had done her job. She’d told everyone what was going on, had packed her bag, and had double-checked to make sure everyone else had also. All the vehicles were lined up and ready to go if it became necessary to evacuate.

She didn’t know what they would do about the horses. She’d need to let Reid call those shots.

She prayed things wouldn’t get that far.

As she waited for everyone to return, she stood on the porch and watched the smoke in the distance, unable to pull her gaze away. The plumes rose over the mountains. The burning, smoldering scent of smoke hung heavily in the air.

The sight was ominous, a force unlike any she’d ever confronted. The foreshadowing of what could happen made her feel like she couldn’t breathe.

Tevin stepped out behind her and frowned. “I don’t like the look of that.”

“Me neither.” She glanced at him. “Any updates?”

---