Page 10 of Ranch's Resolve

“Evie Buchanon. I’m Dr. Stokes' lawyer.”

“You need a lawyer, doctor?”

“I don’t know. You tell me. Are you here to arrest me for visiting a ranch near the border, or are you accusing me of smuggling immigrants into the country?” I ask the question with bravado, hoping to hide my nerves. I’m reasonably sure Ranch wouldn’t want me to tell the agent what I saw on the ranch, but I also don’t want to lie to a federal agent.

“No. Not yet. I want to know if you saw immigrants crossing the border onto the ranch.”

“And it takes seven of you to ask this question?” Evie asks.

“Just answer the question, and we’ll get out of your way.”

“Fine. No, I didn’t see anyone crossing the border onto the DDMC Ranch. Is that all?” I answer honestly. I didn’t see them cross over. I only hope he doesn’t ask for more details about what I saw at the ranch.

“What were you doing at the ranch?”

“The ranch’s owner was giving me a tour of the property.”

“Why?”

“How is that any of your concern?” Evie says.

“It’s my concern if their meeting involves the aiding and abetting of the transportation of illegal aliens across the border.”

“Well, it doesn’t. Okay? Mr. Handler gave me a tour of his ranch so I could determine if the location was suitable for therapy sessions. Now, if that’s all?” I say, struggling to stay calm.

The man studies me for several minutes before speaking. “You could be prosecuted for lying to me.”

“I have no reason to lie to you.”

He silently studies me again before nodding and shooing his men out of my office, through the reception area, and out the door.

I press my hand against my desk when my legs threaten to buckle under me.

“What the hell was that about?” Evie demands as Raven rushes in.

“That was terrifying. What’s going on?” Raven asks.

“I don’t know,” I tell Raven before sharing a look with Evie when Raven goes to grab me a bottle of water out of the refrigerator.

“I’ve read stories about how ICE has turned into a Gestapo, but I never thought I’d experience it,” Raven says, handing me the bottle.

“Yes, it’s troubling. If they bother you again, contact me,” Evie says.

“What are you doing here?” I ask Evie.

“I’m joining you and Caitlin for lunch. That’s probably her now,” Evie says as someone calls out from the waiting room.

Caitlin strides into my office and beams at us. “Sorry, I’m late. Who were those men, and what did they want?”

“I’ll tell you over lunch,” I promise. “Raven, did you want me to bring you back something? Or do you want to join us?” I’d rather speak to Caitlin and Evie without her, but I can’t make it evident that I don’t want her to come.

“No, thank you. I’ve brought my lunch. I have some work that I want to catch up on because I need to leave a few minutes early tonight. Is that okay with you?”

“Of course. That won’t be a problem. I’ll be back in time for my next appointment.”

When we get outside, we climb into Caitlin’s vehicle to drive to the restaurant.

“Okay, spill, what’s going on, and what couldn’t you say in front of Raven?” Evie asks.

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