Page 59 of Dairy and Deadly

“Not much. They’re acting as puzzled about it as we are.” Caro shook a warning finger at Can Opener. “Don’t even think about it, you overstuffed, fur-faced—” Her words ended with a muffled shriek as Can Opener launched himself in her direction.

Ashley chuckled and hurried their way to pull the tomcat’s paws off of Caro’s shoulders. “Can Opener,” she admonished. “Manners!”

“I don’t know why you keep him around.” Caro scrubbed furiously at the silky strands of fur his exuberant greeting had left on her tailored black slacks. “In addition to dripping fur everywhere, he purrs as loud as a Mack truck.”

“It’s because you’re in his inner circle.”

“Lucky me!”

Ashley leaned over to press her forehead to Can Opener’s forehead. “Be good. Not everyone enjoys being mauled by you as much as I do.”

If anything, Can Opener purred louder as he fondly head butted her. He flicked his tail back and forth in excitement, thoroughly enjoying the ruckus he’d caused.

“You know what?” Caro hopped to her feet, still brushing fur from her slacks. “How about I make the coffee while you deal with this obnoxious creature?”

“Good idea.” Ashley gave up trying to settle Can Opener down. She plopped down on the sofa, tumbling him into her lap so she could cuddle some more.

“He’s never going to learn if you spoil him like that!” Caro gave a long-suffering sigh as she rattled around in the kitchenette.

“Learn what?” Ashley teased.

Caro ignored the question. “One of the partners at Martin’s law firm said Martin filed for an extended leave of absence. It doesn’t sound like he gave them a return date.”

Ashley summed up her ex-fiancé’s status by ticking the details off on her fingers. “He’s out of the office indefinitely. His cell phone keeps going to voicemail. He dismantled and removed all of his milking equipment from Chester Farm.”

“While leaving his herd to fend for itself,” Caro interjected sourly.

It was puzzling for sure. “We know his cattle are in good hands with Farmer Monty. That’s something,” Ashley noted, not sure why she was still looking for any redeeming qualities in her ex.

“Still doesn’t make it right,” Caro grumbled. “He’s not paying for feed or boarding fees, and don’t even get me started on the vet bills. He’s taking advantage of Farmer Monty.”

Ashley didn’t question Caro’s information, since she had a finger in every pie at Chester Farm. If she said Martin wasn’t forking over a cent for the care of his herd, then he wasn’t. She moved on to the next topic. “According to my contacts at the Dallas PD, all three alleged suicide cases have been reopened and are being investigated for foul play. We’re awaiting new autopsy and toxicology reports.”

“I think we both know what those results are going to reveal.” Caro returned to the living room with two steaming cups of brew. “I’m going to set your coffee on the end table until that flea bag in your lap goes to sleep.” She glared at Can Opener as she set Ashley’s mug on a cup holder.

“Thanks.” Ashley was still in her milk and dust-spattered work clothes, so she wasn’t bothered by all the fur Can Opener was shedding on her. It would wash off.

“There’s been another development.” Caro backed into the rocker beside the sofa. “Martin’s law firm finally turned over that big pharma file we subpoenaed.”

“And?” Ashley blinked eagerly at her.

“According to one of our top forensic guys, the signatures are forgeries.”

“Are you serious?” Ashley’s brain raced over the implications.

“Not what we were expecting, were we?” Caro’s voice was dry.

Not even close. “What about the paperwork for their pending patent on that rapid cooling chemical?”

Caro shook her head. “That’s where things get even more interesting. There’s a patent pending on a rapid cooling process, but it wasn’t filed by Martin’s pharmaceutical client, who — from all current evidence —may not have any involvement in the case after all.”

It was a significant finding. Ashley somberly met her gaze. “What are you suggesting? Stolen intellectual property?”

“The jury’s still out on that.” There was an inexplicable sigh in Caro’s voice. “It’s a good thing you’re sitting down, my friend, because what I have to tell you about the patent isn’t going to be easy.”

“Who said we’re friends?” Ashley was secretly delighted that Caro considered her to be a friend after the bumpy start to their relationship. They’d truly come a long way since the day they’d held each other at gunpoint.

“Clint did.” Caro rolled her eyes. “He says it’s a requirement that you and I play nice since he and Johnny are so close.”

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