Page 54 of Grady

Savannah gasped in shock. “Oh my God, I am so sorry. What happened to him?”

“He’s in jail now. He got arrested for stealing horses from his father’s ranch and the Montana Department of Livestock caught him.”

“That’s unbelievable, and he stole from his own father?”

“Yes, that’s the kind of man he is. But luckily, my ex-father-in-law Fred Hancock was a wonderful man and like a father to me. He didn’t know about what Frederick did to me until recently when he found out about his arrest for stealing the horses.”

“That must have been tough for you.”

“I never want to see Frederick again in this lifetime. But knowing that he won’t be in prison forever makes me anxious.”

“Wow, when did this happen?”

“It was about six months ago when he got arrested. We were married for three awful years before I finally left with the help of some friends. The first time he hit me, I was too terrified to leave because he threatened to harm me and my father. And I believed him. But eventually, I found the courage to escape when my friend and her husband offered their support. He had been arrested three years earlier for his violence toward me, and that’s when I decided to leave. I mostly stayed in hiding, afraid of what he would do if he found me. Fred was the only good thing that came out of our marriage, and he had no idea about his son’s cruel treatment toward me. But I know that if Frederick ever gets out of jail, he will come looking for me because I helped put him there.”

“How did you do that?”

“I confided in Livestock Agent Luke McCallister and told him everything about Frederick. He had a terrible gambling problem and would do anything to get money, even stealing his own father’s livestock and selling it.” Maggie smiled proudly. “Luke arrested him, and it made my dad and I very happy.”

“That’s great news. What about your father now?”

Maggie’s lip trembled. “He passed away three months ago.”

“I’m so sorry. You two were close.”

“We were. I miss him every day, but at least he’s with my mom now, and I know they’re happy. I sold his house because of too many painful memories.” Maggie shrugged.

“Are you seeing anyone now?”

“No, but it’s not because of how my ex treated me. I know not all men are like him.”

“That’s good to hear. Men like him are cowards who think hitting a woman makes them tough.”

“There is someone I’m interested in, but he doesn’t seem to notice me.” Maggie sighed.

“Who is it?”

“Rafe Marshall. He manages Fred’s ranch, and let me tell you, that man is smoking hot. And he can’t stand Frederick either. I remember one time when Frederick tried to talk down to me in the barn, and Rafe called him out on it.”

“Good for him. Is he good-looking?”

“Good-looking doesn’t even begin to describe it. He’s tall, like Grady, and I think he’s about forty-three years old. His hair is jet black with a touch of gray in his sideburns and stubble. And his eyes are like blueberries with long eyelashes that I wish I had. Plus, he always has a sexy five o’clock shadow. He’s just gorgeous, but whenever I visit Fred, Rafe rarely talks to me.”

“Well, you need to make your interest known to him.”

“I’m too nervous around him. And oh, my God, his body is incredible. I saw him last Saturday in the barn without a shirt on, and I had to hold back from drooling all over myself. God, I really need some good sex.”

Savannah laughed. “Nothing beats amazing sex,” she declared with a sly smile.

Maggie shook her head. “My ex was terrible at sex. I wish I had never married him, but at the time, I felt like I didn’t have a choice.”

“I can understand that. I really can.” Savannah nodded sympathetically.

“I’m going to get a cup of coffee, then we can open.” Maggie smiled.

“Hey, how about I run to The Everyday Grind and get us coffee? I’d love a hazelnut latte.” Savannah suggested.

“That sounds good. Get me the same. Let me give you money.” Maggie turned to head toward the office.

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