Page 11 of Saddled in Secrets
“Where’s Echo?” It’s a small victory that my voice doesn’t shake.
He lifts his chin to where some goon is loading the buckskin mare into my trailer. “This won’t take long. I just needed to get your attention.”
“By stealing my horse?”
His shrug indicates he couldn’t care less. “Jimmy owed me money. I have something we need to discuss. The opportunity fell into my lap.”
“Okay, so…?” I roll my wrist to move this along, emboldened by his nonchalance.
He stays silent while keeping that flat stare fixed on me. I get the hint that this portion of the program doesn’t require an audience. With a beaming grin that belongs in a beauty pageant, I turn to my friend and try to remain calm.
“Will you go check on Echo while I finish this… friendly chat?”
Paisley remains rooted to the spot. “Are you sure?”
My nod is automatic. “I’m fine. Echo needs you more than me.”
After a parting glance at the scary dude, and against her better judgment, she does as requested. The stranger’s emotionless gaze watches her walk away, allowing me to openly study him. He looks like a moldy sack of expired produce. There might be muscles underneath his Western shirt, but what remains of his bulk can’t hide the rot taking over. I swallow when bile tries to climb up my throat.
His disturbing eyes return to me. “Do you know who I am, Bianca?”
My hip cocks to the side, feigning nonchalance. There’s no reason to expose the tremble in my fingers.
“Other than the guy who accepts stolen horses as payment?” I glance at the sky, avoiding his creepy focus. “Not a clue.”
The man’s flat expression remains devoid of any feeling. “I can see why he likes you.”
It’s obvious he expects a response from me. Too bad my stubborn streak is longer than the Kentucky Derby. I lift my brows, unwilling to eagerly grab for the carrot.
“Gonna need a favor,” he states.
“And I’m gonna need to get gone before you ask.” I kick it in reverse, keeping him in my sights.
A muscle jumps in his clenched jaw. “I’d wait if I were you.”
My boots pause in the gravel. “And why is that?”
“I’d hate to make your life difficult.”
“More threats? How innovative.” Not sure where this death-defying attitude is coming from, but I hope it sticks around.
“Just need you to pass along a message. That’s all,” he states.
“Why don’t you do it yourself?”
“He won’t listen to me, but I have a feeling you’ll get a different result.”
“Not sure how that’s possible.” Any acquaintance of this man’s is now an enemy of mine.
“My son is quite taken with you,” he mutters.
“I also find that extremely hard to believe.”
Something unsettling glints in his eyes. “Colton hasn’t mentioned me?”
That blow almost tips me sideways. “Colton is your son?”
“Indeed. We’re estranged, but I’m hoping to fix that. With your help.” That last part isn’t a request.
