Page 37 of Stilettos and Outlaws

“What?” Julie asked.

“He wants more hay.”

Julie dumped more alfalfa into his trough.

I brushed the dirt off my jeans. “I say, we clean up a bit and go visit Dante.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

We walked back to the house.

Chapter Eight

Grabbing bottled water out of the refrigerator, we headed for our bedroom.

Mom’s irritated voice sounded in my earpiece. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“To visit Dante.”

“I need you to man the control room.”

“Dad has the trespassers locked up and the computers are still down,” I shot back.

“The cameras aren’t. We have too many strangers wandering around. I don’t know who is legit and who isn’t. Hell, Roberts could even be here.”

Damn. She was right. I was letting my overwhelming need to see Dante obliterate my common sense. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Jasper’s ETA is ten minutes.”

I took a seat at the command console. “Yes. ma’am.”

“You’ll be able to visit Dante tonight,” Mom added.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Julie frowned. “Jasper gives me the creeps.”

“I know. His hair looks like he stuck his finger in a light socket.”

Julie threw her hands up. “And how can he walk with his pants hanging down around his knees.”

“I’m just glad his tee-shirt is knee-length. His hairy butt is a turn off.”

Mom’s amused voice sounded in my ear. “He just pulled up, girls. Be nice to him, we need the computers up and running.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Julie and I said in unison.

The doorbell rang.

I cocked an eyebrow. “Rock, paper, scissors?”

“Not a chance. It’s your turn.”

The doorbell rang again.

“Fine.” I got up and hurried down the hallway.

Jasper banged on the front door. “Hello?”

---