Page 17 of Cowboy Jeopardy

“Need more than one. Get a donkey, too. Nothing nosier when strangers are around.” He chuckled. “Of course, it’ll be hee-hawing a lot with folks traipsing around your property seeking a taste of ranch life.”

“I think I’ll hold off on the donkey for a while.”

“I wouldn’t. Still a great warning system. It’ll figure out friend from foe soon enough. I have a friend who will give you one free of charge. Clarence is on the old side but still spunky.”

“All right.” The boys were always hounding him for more animals on the ranch. They’d have the old girl spoiled within a day. “What else?”

“Camera at the front entrance under your sign. That way you have a record of every person and vehicle that comes on your property.” He faced Dylan. “Ain’t none of this going to come cheap, Boss, but I know a guy who will do a payment plan if that makes it easier.”

Could Buster read minds? “That would be a big help.”

“This is a new ranch. It takes time to make money at it. You’ll get there.” He clapped Dylan on the shoulder and headed for the barn.

His words did little to dispel the dark cloud hanging over Dylan’s head. He’d wanted to install a security system since purchasing the ranch but thought he had some time.

“You got a safe room?”

His shoulders slumped. “No. Is one really necessary?”

“I reckon not, but they’re always nice if someone sets the house on fire or armed men storm the place.”

Dylan frowned and stared at the man’s profile. He wasn’t a retired police officer. The man was paranoid. Being ex-military PD himself, Dylan knew when to be worried, but he came nowhere near this man. Was his desire for success causing him to wear blinders since finding out about Dani’s trouble?

Chapter Seven

Dani woke thenext morning to feet thundering past her room. She groaned and glanced at her watch. First day of summer camp, and she’d been assigned the wonderful task of making sure Eric and Derrick behaved while giving their classmates a tour. There wouldn’t be enough coffee on the ranch for that task.

She tossed aside the sheet she’d covered up with and padded to the shower. The boys would be busy with breakfast, hopefully, long enough. If not, her mother would keep an eye on them until Dani reached the kitchen. The hot water washed away the sleep, making her more coherent before joining the others.

Her mother glanced over from the stove. “Breakfast isn’t for another fifteen minutes, but the boys couldn’t wait. Would you like your pancakes now?”

“Just coffee and toast for me, Mom. Thanks.” Another glance at the watch showed an hour until the front gate opened for business. “It’s going to be a rush feeding the men and cleaning up before the guests arrive.”

“No guests in the big house today. Dylan is working on a new meal schedule as we speak.” She elbowed Mrs. White. “Buster is coming.” Her mother then smoothed her hair and the pink apron she wore.

Good grief. Dani shook her head and prepared her own toast and coffee before sitting at the table across from the boys. “Mornin’.”

The boys scowled for a few seconds before Eric spoke. “We thought you were going to sleep all day.”

“It’s a little past seven. Not late at all.” She curled her hands around her coffee mug. “I’m as excited as you to start the day.”

“Think of all the new people!” Derrick jabbed his syrup-dripping fork toward the sky.

That’s what bothered Dani the most. Not the children who would be visiting, but the adults. Although there wouldn’t be any overnight camping for a few weeks, there would be adults scoping out the place. She’d have to be vigilant, watching not only two rowdy boys, but the possible target on her back.

A meager breakfast over and twin boys trembling with excitement, Dani followed them onto the front porch where they stared at the road leading to the house. Monster joined them. Nursing her second cup of coffee, Dani lowered into a chair and propped her feet on a padded ottoman. The day would be busy enough without wanting it to come earlier.

“Good morning.” Dylan came around the corner of the house. “I thought I might find y’all out here.”

“The boys can’t wait.” She smiled. “Me? Barely awake.”

“You’ll wake up soon enough when twenty-five ten-year-olds show up.” He propped a booted foot on the top step. “Let’s go over some rules, boys.”

“Why do you have to go and ruin a good day?” Derrick crossed his arms.

Dylan arched a brow. “It’s rules or your room. Take your pick.”

“Rules.” Eric kicked his twin.

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