Page 49 of Big Daddy Bull Riders

“Nope,” Mina said. “I can’t find out much about him. And that’s what worries me. Normally, I can dig up dirt on almost anyone. Not to brag, but it’s kind of my thing.”

“Yeah,” Janie said. “It’s your job.”

“Right? But with this guy… well, he’s hidden behind shell corporations and all that. But I’m not giving up. Hopefully I can find something to help Big Cedar. Or at least something to tell us who we’re going up against here.”

“I have faith in you,” Mindy said.

Belinda popped the pacifier from her mouth and said, “Yeah. We all do!”

The Littles cheered, further warming Mina’s heart.

It was good to be home in Big Cedar.

CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE

The Littles were happy on the playground, and Slater grinned at the sound of their laughter.

He was standing nearby with Jackson, drinking a bottle of beer, chatting with Theo and Clyde.

Theo was Grace’s Daddy and was a handsome, strong Black man who looked every bit the former Marine that he was. He even still sported the close-cropped hairstyle.

He was tough, to be sure, but had a heart of gold.

As for Clyde, he was still wearing his mechanic’s coveralls, which was the only outfit Slater could ever remember seeing the man in.

“Man, I read all about that ride up in Guthrie,” Clyde said with a shake of his head. He took a swig from the beer bottle he held and continued. “Over nine seconds. Pretty amazing, if you ask me.”

Slater shifted on his feet and offered a little shrug. “Much obliged. But it’s really no big deal.”

“No big deal?” Clyde snorted. He looked at Theo. “Do you think it’s no big deal?”

“Hell, no!” Theo declared. “The thought of getting on the back of one of those huge things and holding on terrifies me!”

Slater thought of bringing up the fact that the man had been to war and probably knew what real terror was, but he didn’t want to bring up bad memories for Theo. So, he just smiled and waved it off. “Really no big deal.”

Before the conversation could carry on, Quinn and Joe walked up.

“How y’all doing?” the sheriff asked.

All the guys told him they were fine.

“Y’all mind if we borrow the bull rider for a minute? Me and the mayor have a question we’re dying to ask,” the sheriff said.

Slater’s curiosity was piqued. He was about to ask what was up, but realized he’d have his answer in just a few moments.

“You bet,” Clyde said. “I need another beer, anyway.”

“Same,” Theo said. “I’ll tag along with you. Might be a good time for us to go check in on the Littles.”

The two men walked away, leaving Slater there with Jackson and now the sheriff and Joe.

Slater held up his hands as if surrendering. “Let me guess—I’m under arrest for being too damn sexy. You have to take me off the streets.”

Quinn laughed. “Dream on, buddy.”

Joe took the lead on the conversation. “We were just talking about our favorite Slater and Jackson memory.”

“Oh yeah?” Slater said with an arched eyebrow. He reached out and playfully hit Jackson in the chest. “I bet it was when we stopped Rampage just the other day.”

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